What is blood pressure?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:To understand blood pressure, you have to understand a little bit about your heart. Your heart is basically a pump that pumps blood through your body. Blood pressure (BP) measures the force of the blood against your arteries.
There are two numbers in your blood pressure. The top number is your systolic pressure. This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is pumping. The lower number is your diastolic pressure. This is the pressure pushing against the artery when your heart is resting between beats.
A normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. A reading of 120/80 to 139/89 is prehypertension. You have fhypertension if your blood pressure is 140/90 or over.To understand blood pressure, you have to understand a little bit about your heart. Your heart is basically a pump that pumps blood through your body. Blood pressure (BP) measures the force of the blood against your arteries. There are two numbers... More -
Dr. Michael Roizen answered:These days, blood pressure machines are everywhere—at the pharmacy, in your gym, in mall kiosks. Even in Wal-Mart and McDonalds. That's good. Actually, it's great. (Get your BP, hold the fries.)
That's because you need to track your blood pressure—your most crucial vital sign—even more diligently than Ebert tracks movie openings. High blood pressure still reigns as the leading cause of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, and impotence.
While most of your other blood numbers reveal levels of substances inside your blood, your BP gauges how your blood travels through your body. Simply, blood pressure refers to the amount of force exerted by your blood on your arterial walls as it passes through. It's measured through the systolic pressure (the pressure being exerted when the heart contracts, the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the pressure on your arteries when you heart is at rest).
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These days, blood pressure machines are everywhere—at the pharmacy, in your gym, in mall kiosks. Even in Wal-Mart and McDonalds. That's good. Actually, it's great. (Get your BP, hold the fries.) That's because you need to track your blood... More -
Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. The force is generated with each heartbeat as blood is pumped from the heart into the blood vessels. The size and elasticity of the artery walls also affect blood pressure. Each time the heart beats (contracts and relaxes), pressure is created inside the arteries.
The pressure is greatest when blood is pumped out of the heart into the arteries; this level is called systolic blood pressure. When the heart relaxes between beats (blood is not moving out of the heart), the pressure falls in the arteries; this level is called diastolic blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. The force is generated with each heartbeat as blood is pumped from the heart into the blood vessels. The size and elasticity of the artery walls also affect blood pressure.... More -
American Heart Association answered:Blood pressure is the force or pressure exerted by the heart against the walls of the arteries. When the arterioles (smaller arteries) constrict (narrow), the blood must flow through a smaller “pipe” and the pressure rises. High blood pressure can result, adding to the workload of the heart and arteries. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition in which blood pressure levels are above the normal range. Blood pressures of 120–139 / 80–89 mm Hg are considered pre-hypertension. Blood pressure is considered high if it is 140/90 mm Hg or higher. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart attack, angina, stroke, kidney failure and peripheral artery disease. High blood pressure may also increase the risk of developing fatty deposit in arteries (atherosclerosis). The risk of heart failure also increases due to the increased workload that high blood pressure places on the heart.
Blood pressure is the force or pressure exerted by the heart against the walls of the arteries. When the arterioles (smaller arteries) constrict (narrow), the blood must flow through a smaller “pipe” and the pressure rises. High... More -
Eric Olsen answered:Blood pressure is a measure of the resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels. With each beat, the heart pumps blood throughout the body. The amount of pressure in the arteries while the heart is pumping is called the systolic blood pressure, the higher of the two numbers in a blood pressure reading. Diastolic blood pressure, the second (lower) reading, records the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats so its chambers can refill. The higher your blood pressure, the harder your heart must work to pump blood throughout your body.
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Blood pressure is a measure of the resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels. With each beat, the heart pumps blood throughout the body. The amount of pressure in the arteries while the heart is pumping is called the systolic blood... More -
Carolinas HealthCare System answered:Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure results from two forces. One is created by the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and through the circulatory system. The other is the pressure in the arteries as the heart relaxes. Blood pressure changes during the day. It is lowest as you sleep and rises when you are up and about. It can also rise when you are excited, nervous, or active.Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure results from two forces. One is created by the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and through the circulatory system. The other is the pressure in... More -
Dr. Bijoy Khandheria of Aurora Health Care answered:Blood pressure is similar to the pressure one encounters in water pipes. The upper number is systolic, the lower number diastolic. As a blood vessel loses its elasticity - often with age - the systolic blood pressure increases.
Blood pressure is similar to the pressure one encounters in water pipes. The upper number is systolic, the lower number diastolic. As a blood vessel loses its elasticity - often with age - the systolic blood pressure increases. More -
American Diabetes Association answered:Blood pressure is the force of blood exerted on the inside walls of blood vessels. Blood pressure is described in two numbers, for example "130/80," which is said as "130 over 80." The first number is the systolic pressure, or the pressure when the heart pushes blood out into the arteries. The second number is the diastolic pressure, or the pressure when the heart rests.Blood pressure is the force of blood exerted on the inside walls of blood vessels. Blood pressure is described in two numbers, for example "130/80," which is said as "130 over 80." The first number is the systolic pressure, or the pressure... More -
Blood pressure is the force of blood pressing on your artery walls.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pressing on your artery walls. More -
Dr. Deborah Raines of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Blood pressure measurements consist of two numbers the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.
- The top number is the systolic pressure. It shows the maximum pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts
- The bottom number is the diastolic pressure. It shows the minimum pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Blood pressure measurements consist of two numbers the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.... More -
Healthwise answered:Blood pressure is the force of blood inside an artery. A blood pressure reading measures the force of blood against the walls of an artery.
Blood pressure is measured by temporarily stopping the flow of blood in an artery, usually by wrapping a cuff around the upper arm and pumping air into the cuff. As the air is released from the cuff, blood begins to flow through the artery again. When the blood begins to flow, the sound of blood flowing through the artery can be heard through a stethoscope placed on the skin over the artery inside the elbow.
- Blood pressure readings consist of an upper and lower number (such as 120 over 90 or 120/90). Blood pressure readings are measured in units called millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
- The reading on the gauge when blood flow is first heard is called the systolic pressure. It is the first or upper number in a blood pressure reading. Systolic pressure is the pressure of blood against the artery walls when the heart has just finished contracting or pumping.
- The reading on the gauge when blood flow is no longer heard is the diastolic pressure. It is the second or lower number in a blood pressure reading. Diastolic pressure is the pressure of blood against the artery walls between heartbeats, when the heart is relaxed and filling with blood.
- Blood pressure readings usually increase as a person ages and with a variety of medical conditions.
Blood pressure is the force of blood inside an artery. A blood pressure reading measures the force of blood against the walls of an artery. Blood pressure is measured by temporarily stopping the flow of blood in an artery, usually by wrapping a cuff... More -
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is recorded as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is created during the contraction of the heart, while diastolic pressure is created during relaxation.Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is recorded as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is created during the contraction of the heart, while diastolic pressure is... More -
Intermountain Healthcare answered:Blood pressure is the force of blood against the inside walls of your arteries. If your arteries become too narrow or hard, the pressure of the blood inside goes up. This makes it harder for your heart to do its job.
Normal blood pressure is "120" over "80" (120/80) or less. If either number is higher, you might have high blood pressure. But keep in mind that blood pressure goes up and down all day long. One reading alone can't tell if you have high blood pressure. A doctor can decide if you have it.
High blood pressure can cause serious health problems. For example, high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, or kidney problems.
High blood pressure is common. It happens to all kinds of people. That's why you should try to prevent it -- and stick with treatment if you already have high blood pressure.Blood pressure is the force of blood against the inside walls of your arteries. If your arteries become too narrow or hard, the pressure of the blood inside goes up. This makes it harder for your heart to do its job. Normal blood pressure is... More -
RealAge answered:Your blood pressure is a measurement of the force of your blood against your artery walls as the blood passes through. If the pressure is too high, that force can literally gouge holes in your arteries over time.
Exercise, strong emotions, and other stimulating things can temporarily raise blood pressure. And blood pressure varies -- it tends to be lower at night during sleep and higher in the morning.
When your blood pressure dips high or low, your body is supposed to compensate and help keep blood pressure in check. When it doesn't, there could be a problem within any number of body systems, including your heart, your nervous system, your kidneys, and certain hormone systems.Your blood pressure is a measurement of the force of your blood against your artery walls as the blood passes through. If the pressure is too high, that force can literally gouge holes in your arteries over time. Exercise, strong emotions,... More -
HealthyWomen answered:Blood pressure is the amount of force your blood exerts against the walls of your arteries. Normal blood pressure effectively and harmlessly pushes the blood from your heart to your body's organs and muscles so they can receive the oxygen and nutrients they need. Blood pressure is variable -- it rises and falls during the day. When blood pressure stays elevated over time, however, it is called high blood pressure or hypertension and needs medical attention.Blood pressure is the amount of force your blood exerts against the walls of your arteries. Normal blood pressure effectively and harmlessly pushes the blood from your heart to your body's organs and muscles so they can receive the oxygen... More -
Scripps Health answered:Blood pressure measures the force of blood against blood vessel walls. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed in two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg.Blood pressure measures the force of blood against blood vessel walls. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed in two numbers, such as 120/80 mmHg. More
