Blood Pressure Measurements Quiz

Understanding Blood Pressure Measurement

• Blood pressure measurement tests the force in arteries as the heart pumps
• It is measured as two numbers: systolic (pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (pressure when the heart rests)
• High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects millions of adults in the US and increases the risk of life-threatening conditions
• High blood pressure often has no symptoms, making measurement crucial for early diagnosis
• Other names for blood pressure measurement include blood pressure reading, test, and screening
• Blood pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels
• Most of this pressure results from the heart pumping blood through the circulatory system
• Blood pressure is usually expressed as systolic over diastolic pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or kilopascals (kPa)
• The difference between systolic and diastolic pressures is known as pulse pressure, while the average pressure during a cardiac cycle is mean arterial pressure
• Blood pressure is one of the vital signs used by healthcare professionals in evaluating a patient's health
• It is crucial in diagnosing high blood pressure early to prevent serious complications like heart attack and stroke
• Blood pressure measurement is a critical tool in managing and treating high blood pressure before it leads to severe health issues