What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of blood vessels. This measurement is important because it indicates how well the heart is functioning and how effectively blood is being circulated throughout the body. Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers, systolic and diastolic, indicating the pressure when the heart beats and when it rests, respectively. Understanding blood pressure is crucial in assessing cardiovascular health and diagnosing potential health issues, such as hypertension.

The other options do not accurately define blood pressure. The total volume of blood in the body pertains to hematology and fluid dynamics rather than the pressure aspect. The rate at which blood flows through the arteries relates to blood flow but does not measure the pressure being exerted. The volume of blood pumped by each heartbeat refers to stroke volume, which is a separate concept and does not address the pressure on vessel walls.