Pressure exerted by the blood upon the walls of the blood vessels, usually measured by means of a sphygmomanometer and expressed in millimeters of mercury.

• A. Blood Pressure
• B. Cardiology
• C. Diastolic Pressure
• D. Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Answer: (A)

Blood pressure is the force of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. It is measured with a sphygmomanometer and reported in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). This term reflects the overall pressure produced by the heart as it pumps and as it rests between beats (systolic and diastolic pressures). The description in the question points to this general measure of blood force, making it the appropriate term. The other options refer to a medical specialty (cardiology), a specific component of the reading (diastolic pressure), or a test of electrical activity of the heart (electrocardiogram), none of which define the overall pressure exerted by blood on vessel walls.