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

"Astronauts lose about 15% of their circulating plasma volume, which means when they come back, their blood pressure can drop and they might need additional fluids," she says.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

This study will explore whether the drug can benefit people who have high blood pressure along with established cardiovascular disease or those at high risk for such conditions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Space agency officials’ blood pressure was further elevated as experts closely watched the performance of the craft’s heat shield — which astronauts rely on to slow them down and keep temperatures livable.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Long-term benefits, we are told, include reduced anxiety, lower blood pressure and quicker healing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

With her blood pressure, she shouldn’t eat anything with sodium.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat