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Blood pressure is the force of blood inside an artery. A blood pressure reading measures the force of blood against the walls of an artery.
Blood pressure is measured by temporarily stopping the flow of blood in an artery, using a cuff placed around the upper arm. Air is added to the cuff until blood flow stops. As the air is released, blood begins to flow through the artery again. Blood pressure is measured as the blood begins to flow again.
Current as of: September 7, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Brian D. O'Brien MD - Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Stephen Fort MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
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