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.
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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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