Blood pressure
Blood pressure being monitored
As the heart contracts and relaxes, blood pressure rises and falls. Blood pressure increases during ventricular systole and decreases during diastole.
Blood pressure can be measured using a sphygmomanometer. It measures two values:
- systolic value 鈥 blood pressure while the heart is squeezing
- diastolic value 鈥 blood pressure while the heart is relaxing
Average blood pressure for an adult in 120/80 mmHg.
High blood pressure is known as hypertension and is a major risk factor for developing many cardiovascular diseases.