to the medical professionals or anyone that may know

Just wondering what it means when the diastolic pressure in a blood pressure reading is a letter (P) instead of a number.  My best friend's father in law was rushed to the ER and his blood pressure was 70/P.  The EMT's and Medics even looked at each other puzzled.  Which didn't seem to mean anything good.  He has a history of liver cancer, which is Oncologist says is all gone now and he has chirrosis of the liver as well.  Any suggestions or thoughts are appreciated.  I know it has nothing to do with WLS but everyone here is so full of answers. Thanks & hugs

My goodness...my EMT hat sure is getting a workout this week....LOL.  Good question with an easy answer.  70/P means whomever took his blood pressure did not use a stethoscope, only the bp cuff with the guage on it & feeling the pulsating through his wrist (known as the radial artery).  70 is the top number that they  physically felt & visibly saw on the guage as the cuff was deflated.  A number under 90 systolic is considered a dangerously low bp so that, combined with whatever other symptoms/signs he was displaying, is what caused the urgency of his transport.  I don't know why the EMTs or Medics would look at each other puzzled because this type of BP is basic training.  I hope things improve for your friend's FIL.

Theresa, Thanks for asking and Ann thanks for replying. My sis is studying for her RN now and I am always asking all sorts of questions. Her boyfriend has been an EMT/Firefighter since we got out of high school as are tons of their friends and we are always surrounded with great stories and learning so much. I hope and pray your best friend's FIL is doing better today. Hugs.....