Home Blood pressure

Blood pressure


 

Related Articles

Definition

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. The pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped, and the size and flexibility of the arteries.

Blood pressure is continually changing depending on activity, temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, physical state, and medication use.

Alternative Names

Diastolic blood pressure; Systolic blood pressure
 

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

Sign Up for Picture of a Sign Up for HealthClicks

Our Free Email Newsletter (Learn More)
 

Illustrations

Blood pressure check

Blood pressure check

Effects of age on blood pressure

Effects of age on blood pressure

Blood pressure

Blood pressure



We'd love to hear what you think of our site.

Help us continually improve.

Take Our Short Survey
 

Shortcuts