Blood Pressure

Function

Blood pressure (BP) measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. It is recorded with two numbers: Systolic (pressure during heartbeats) and Diastolic (pressure between beats). It is a primary indicator of cardiovascular health and hemodynamic stability.

Why it is Ordered

BP is measured at almost every medical encounter because it is a vital sign. Chronic monitoring is essential for diagnosing hypertension, which is often asymptomatic (the 'silent killer') until it causes significant organ damage. It is also used to assess the effectiveness of antihypertensive medications.

Associated Conditions

• Hypertension: High BP, leading to stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
• Hypotension: Low BP, which can cause fainting, dizziness, or shock.
• Preeclampsia: High BP during pregnancy.
• Cardiovascular Disease: General risk assessment for atherosclerosis.

Management and Lifestyle

Managing blood pressure involves a combination of sodium restriction, regular aerobic exercise, stress management, and, in many cases, pharmacotherapy (e.g., ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers). Frequent home monitoring is often recommended to capture 'real-world' data outside of the stressful clinical environment.