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Blood Pressure
Alternate Names : Diastolic Blood Pressure, Systolic Blood Pressure
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 the 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.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Why is the Test Performed?
Most people cannot sense if their blood pressure is high (hypertension) because there are usually no symptoms. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. For people who have high blood pressure, this test is a way of monitoring the effectiveness of medications and dietary modifications.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Why is the Test Performed?
• How is the Test Performed?
• How to Prepare for the Test?
• How will the Test Feel?
• Normal Values
• What do Abnormal Results Mean?
• Special Considerations
• Risks
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Hypertension
• Preeclampsia
• Stroke
Tests & Exams
• Pulse
Other Topics
• Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
• Blood Pressure - Low
• High Blood Pressure
• Infant Test/Procedure Preparation
• Mercury
• Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
• School Age Test/Procedure Preparation
• Stress and Anxiety
• Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation
Review Date : 11/8/2002
Reviewed By : Michael C. Milone, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University
of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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