blood pressure

American  

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

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blood pressure British  

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

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blood pressure Scientific  

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 hypotension

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blood pressure Cultural  

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.)

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Etymology

Origin of blood pressure

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blood pressure

For now, however, doctors suggest that Americans address their heart health with tried-and-true methods like exercising more, not smoking, and controlling their blood pressure, according to Caprio.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

Experts warn that caffeine can disrupt kids’ sleep or, worse, increase their risk of high blood pressure or heart attacks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026

Community pharmacies also offer support with healthy eating, exercise, stopping smoking, monitoring your blood pressure, contraception, flu and Covid vaccinations.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

One mother went to the ER with shortness of breath and high blood pressure, fearing she might be having a heart attack, but her tests came back normal.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026

Bhalla prescribed a half-dozen drugs to lower Wilson’s cholesterol, prevent clotting, and control his blood pressure.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times