What does blood pressure refer to?

Blood pressure specifically describes the pressure exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels throughout the body, particularly the arteries. This measurement is crucial as it reflects how hard the heart has to work to pump blood and indicates the health of the cardiovascular system.

Blood pressure readings are typically expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and are given as two numbers — systolic pressure (when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (when the heart rests between beats). Therefore, understanding that blood pressure encompasses the entirety of the circulatory system is key, rather than being limited to pressure in a specific location such as the heart, veins, or pulmonary arteries. This broad definition emphasizes its importance in assessing overall cardiovascular health and helps identify potential health concerns related to high or low blood pressure levels.