Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the hydrostatic pressure that blood exerts on blood vessel walls, measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). In resting adults, systolic pressure—the highest arterial pressure during ventricular contraction—averages 110 mm Hg, while diastolic pressure during ventricular relaxation averages 70 mm Hg. Clinical measurement of blood pressure typically uses the brachial artery of the arm.

Blood pressure is highest in arteries near the heart at approximately 110 mm Hg and progressively decreases as blood flows through smaller vessels. Pressure drops to 35 mm Hg in arterioles and capillaries, further reduces to 16 mm Hg in venules and veins, and gradually decreases to 0 mm Hg upon return to the heart. This pressure gradient drives blood flow from high to low pressure areas.

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is the average pressure in arteries during one cardiac cycle, calculated as approximately one-third of the way between systolic and diastolic pressures. For a resting adult with 110/70 mm Hg readings, MAP equals 83 mm Hg. MAP is a better indicator of perfusion to vital organs than systolic pressure alone and requires at least 60 mm Hg to adequately sustain organ function.

Pulse pressure is the numerical difference between systolic and diastolic pressures. A normal pulse pressure should be at least 25 percent of systolic pressure. While healthy individuals typically have resting pulse pressures of 30–40 mm Hg, consistently elevated pulse pressures at or above 100 mm Hg indicate abnormal arterial resistance and can damage the heart, brain, and kidneys, requiring medical intervention.

Ventricular contraction forces blood into the aorta and large systemic arteries, generating the highest arterial pressure known as systolic pressure. This rhythmic contraction is the primary mechanism that instigates blood movement throughout the cardiovascular system. The force of this ejection creates the peak pressure measured during the cardiac cycle.

Pulse pressure increases temporarily during heavy exercise due to elevated stroke volume, potentially rising from a resting 30–40 mm Hg to 100 mm Hg. This temporary increase during exercise and cardiovascular response is normal and reflects the heart's increased output. However, persistent elevated pulse pressure at rest may indicate underlying cardiovascular disorders.

Pulse pressure decreases in conditions such as congestive heart failure, aortic valve stenosis, and significant blood loss following trauma. These conditions reduce the difference between systolic and diastolic pressures, indicating compromised cardiac function or reduced blood volume. A persistently low pulse pressure may signal serious cardiovascular dysfunction requiring clinical evaluation.