There are five Korotkoff sounds<span>: </span>Phase<span> I—The first appearance of faint, repetitive, clear tapping </span>sounds<span> which gradually increase in intensity for at least two consecutive beats is the systolic </span>blood pressure<span>. </span>Phase<span> II—A brief period may follow during which the </span>sounds<span> soften and acquire a swishing quality.</span>
