What does blood pressure mean?
Definition and Physiology
Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries as it circulates throughout the body. It’s a vital sign that reflects the pressure in the arterial system.
The cardiac cycle consists of systole (contraction) and diastole (relaxation). During systole, the heart contracts, pumping blood into the arteries, which increases pressure. During diastole, the heart relaxes, and the pressure decreases.
Measurement
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) using a sphygmomanometer. The measurement consists of two values:
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Systolic blood pressure (SBP): The higher value, representing the pressure during systole.
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Diastolic blood pressure (DBP): The lower value, representing the pressure during diastole.
