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GlossaryBlood Pressure

force of blood against artery walls

Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the body's arteries, the major blood vessels in the circulatory system. It is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded with two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats). Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is crucial for overall cardiovascular health, as both high and low blood pressure can lead to serious health issues.