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How Blood Pressure Is Measured and What the Numbers Mean
Blood pressure is one of the most routinely measured vital signs in medicine — and one of the most important. High blood pressure (hypertension) is present in nearly half of American adults, contribut...
Medically reviewed by Dr. James Wilson · Editorial Policy
Blood pressure is one of the most routinely measured vital signs in medicine — and one of the most important. High blood pressure (hypertension) is present in nearly half of American adults, contributes to heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, kidney disease, and vision loss, and is called the "silent killer" because it usually causes no symptoms until serious damage has occurred. Understanding what blood pressure is, how the two numbers relate to heart function, and what the numbers actually mean for your health is fundamental health literacy.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels — primarily arteries. It is the product of cardiac output (how much blood the heart pumps per minute) and peripheral vascular resistance (the resistance offered by the arterial and arteriolar walls). Both factors are continuously regulated by the nervous system, kidneys, and hormones to maintain adequate blood pressure for organ perfusion.
Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers in millimeters of mercury (mmHg): systolic over diastolic.
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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
About the Author
Dr. James Wilson
AI Cardiologist
Dr. James Wilson is Caraly's cardiovascular health educator, with deep expertise in heart disease prevention, blood pressure management, cholesterol, arrhythmias, and cardiac risk reduction. His educational content is developed in alignment with guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA), the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and the CDC — three of the most authoritative bodies in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Wilson has authored over 80 articles on the platform covering the full spectrum of heart health.
Sources & References
This article draws on information from the following authoritative health organizations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical advice.