blood pressure

noun

, Physiology.

1. the pressure of the blood against the inner walls of the blood vessels, varying in different parts of the body during different phases of contraction of the heart and under different conditions of health, exertion, etc. : BP

blood pressure

noun

1. the pressure exerted by the blood on the inner walls of the arteries, being relative to the elasticity and diameter of the vessels and the force of the heartbeat

blood pressure

1. The pressure of the blood in the vessels, especially the arteries, as it circulates through the body. Blood pressure varies with the strength of the heartbeat, the volume of blood being pumped, and the elasticity of the blood vessels. Arterial blood pressure is usually measured by means of a sphygmomanometer and reported in millimeters of mercury as a fraction, with the numerator equal to the blood pressure during systole and the denominator equal to the blood pressure during diastole.
2. See more at hypertension

blood pressure

1. The pressure of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels , especially the arteries . It is expressed in two figures, said to be one “over” the other: the systolic pressure, which is the pressure when the left ventricle of the heart contracts to push the blood through the body; and the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when the ventricle relaxes and fills with blood. Blood pressure is affected by the strength of the heartbeat, the volume of blood in the body, the elasticity of the blood vessels, and the age and general health of the person. ( See circulatory system .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of blood pressure¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have discovered how long-term treatment of high blood pressure with commonly prescribed drugs can destroy the kidney's ability to filter and purify blood.

From Science Daily

A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego has developed a new and improved wearable ultrasound patch for continuous and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring.

From Science Daily

People must have at least one existing weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, and be obese to qualify.

From BBC

Lifestyle changes, including controlling obesity, smoking cessation, being physically active, controlling high blood pressure and controlling blood glucose levels can help prevent the development of heart failure.

From Science Daily

“I was very overweight and had hip problems and blood pressure problems,” Katz says.

From Los Angeles Times