Blood pressure is the measure of the force that
blood exerts as it flows through the blood vessels. When the
heart contracts it sends a burst of blood through the body, causing blood pressure to increase momentarily. The blood pressure during the heart's contraction is called systolic pressure. In between beats (as the heart rests) blood flow is reduced and the pressure against the walls of the vessels decreases. The blood pressure during the resting period is called diastolic pressure. A person may have chronically
high blood pressure, i.e. "hypertension" or chronically
low blood pressure, i.e. "hypotension." Both conditions are potentially dangerous and may be controlled through diet, exercise, and certain prescription medications.
See Also
- Accupril / Quinapril Hydrochloride: Overview
- Albumin Buminate: Overview
- Altace / Ramipril
- Cardizem / Diltiazem Hydrochloride
- Cardura / Doxazosin Mesylate
- Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drugs: Overview
- Hexamethonium: Overview
- Lotensin / Benazepril Hydrochloride: Overview
- Mavik / Trandolapril: Overview
- Monopril / Fosinopril Sodium: Overview
- Norvasc / Amlodipine
- Posicor / Mibefradil
- Procardia XL / Nifedipine
- Teveten / Eprosartan Mesylate: Overview
- Univasc / Moexipril Hydrochloride: Overview
- Valsartan / Diovan: Overview
- Vasotec / Enalapril
- Blood Pressure: Frequently Asked Questions