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

Obesity can be a risk factor for several chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and some cancers.

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026

Nearly half of dementia cases may be connected to risk factors that people can potentially change, including smoking and high blood pressure.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 6, 2026

“It’s not like these are people getting routine visits for mildly high blood pressure — these are people who require hospitalizations.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 6, 2026

She said she did not know the circumstances around his death, but said he was not being given medication regularly for diabetes and high blood pressure, the site reported.

From Barron's ● Aug. 4, 2026

Nurse Finnegan has a stethoscope and an electronic blood pressure thing in her hand, but she just sits down and places the back of her hand against my cheek, which feels very nurse-y and comforting.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell