blood pressure

noun

Physiology.

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

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

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.
See more at hypertension

blood pressure

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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Word History and Origins

Origin of blood pressure¹

First recorded in 1870–75

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

High-ventilation breathing is not recommended for people with epilepsy, lung diseases or asthma that limit breathing, high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems, and schizophrenia or a history of psychosis.

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Patients who take a common drug for high blood pressure are being urged to check their medication after a batch was recalled over the wrong dose being printed on the box.

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Symptoms include shortness of breath, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and bleeding issues often leading to cardiac arrest and massive hemorrhaging.

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The signs to look out for include cough, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and irregular heart rate.

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According to the NHS website, pre-eclampsia affects some women during pregnancy or soon after their baby is delivered, with early signs including having high blood pressure.

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blood poisoning blood pudding

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