blood pressure

noun

: pressure that is exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels and especially arteries and that varies with the muscular efficiency of the heart, the blood volume and viscosity, the age and health of the individual, and the state of the vascular wall

Examples of blood pressure in a Sentence

The doctor says he has high blood pressure.

These drugs help lower blood pressure.

She has a blood pressure of 120.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to the summary of an exam conducted six months ago, Harris’ vital signs showed a blood pressure of 128 over 74, a heart rate of 78 beats per minute, pulse oximetry of 100% on room air with a respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute and a temperature of 98.7 degrees. —Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024

Here’s what experts had to say about the importance of choosing a blood pressure cuff that fits, plus other tips to ensure your at-home blood pressure readings are accurate. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 11 Oct. 2024

Brisk walking has been shown to improve critical heart health markers, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels. —Kells McPhillips, SELF, 11 Oct. 2024

Beta-blockers stabilize heart rate and blood pressure, Statins help lower harmful cholesterol levels. —Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

blood pressure

noun

: pressure of the blood on the walls of blood vessels and especially arteries that varies with physical condition and age

Medical Definition

blood pressure

noun

: pressure exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels and especially arteries, usually measured on the radial artery by means of a sphygmomanometer, and expressed in millimeters of mercury either as a fraction having as numerator the maximum pressure that follows systole of the left ventricle of the heart and as denominator the minimum pressure that accompanies cardiac diastole or as a whole number representing the first value only

a blood pressure of 120/80

a blood pressure of 120

—abbreviation BP