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

GLP-1s help regulate blood sugar, and some studies suggest these weight-loss drugs can help with some of the problems caused by PMOS, which can bring about extreme tiredness, kidney problems and high blood pressure.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

Beta-blockers are commonly used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure and certain heart problems.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 24, 2026

Factors that put people at a higher risk of severe infection include being older than 60, diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and being on immune system suppressing medication.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2026

Lifestyle factors — such as diet, sleep, regular exercise, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, avoiding tobacco and alcohol — can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 45%, Tan said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 17, 2026

“It’s gonna be so good when it’s done,” she said, jotting down my blood pressure.

From "All American Boys" by Jason Reynolds