blood pressure

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

blood pressure

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

blood pressure

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

blood pressure

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.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of blood pressure¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

People who had surgery also needed fewer prescriptions for diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol management.

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Besides their saturated fat content, they often contain a lot of sodium, which can raise blood pressure, and certain preservatives that are linked to colon cancer.

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Researchers measured each participant's blood pressure, pulse, breath alcohol concentration, and blood glucose levels.

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This heightened sensitivity can aggravate high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic illnesses as well as raise the risks of accidents, falls and fractures.

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She had her blood pressure and vital signs taken during the second set and was given something to eat and drink by the physio.

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