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

He said the results were "surprising" and had given him "something to think about", after being told his blood pressure was slightly raised and his body fat was classified as "high".

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026

Participants' health was monitored for an average of seven to eight years to determine whether they developed high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.

From Science Daily • Jun. 18, 2026

Officials said the retired officer's death was linked to diabetes and high blood pressure.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

Exposing skin to sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D, which delivers many benefits to the body, including better bone strength, lower blood pressure and improved sleep.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

They checked her heart and took her blood pressure but didn’t do much to treat her actual illness.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry