What is blood pressure?

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Last updated: April 6, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Press is a term that can refer to the act of applying force or pressure, the media industry, or various machines that apply pressure for specific purposes. In the context of the provided evidence, the term "press" is not directly related to the medical studies provided, which focus on hypertension guidelines and blood pressure management 1. However, it is worth noting that the concept of pressure is relevant in the medical field, particularly in relation to blood pressure, which is a critical aspect of cardiovascular health. According to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association hypertension guideline, blood pressure is classified into different categories, including elevated BP, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension 1. Key points to consider when evaluating blood pressure include:

  • Proper methods of BP measurement, which are fundamental to categorizing BP and managing hypertension 1
  • The use of out-of-office BP measurements, such as ambulatory BP monitoring or home BP monitoring, to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension and titrate medication 1
  • The importance of accurate BP measurements, which should be based on an average of at least 2 readings obtained on at least 2 separate occasions 1

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Definition of Press

The term "press" is not explicitly defined in the provided studies. However, based on the context, it can be inferred that "press" refers to a mechanism or factor that contributes to blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Mechanisms

  • The studies suggest that blood pressure is influenced by multiple mechanisms, including the renin-angiotensin system, calcium channels, and diuretic mechanisms 2, 3, 4.
  • These mechanisms can be targeted by different classes of antihypertensive drugs, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics 2, 3, 4.

Pressor Mechanisms

  • The term "pressor mechanism" refers to a mechanism that increases blood pressure 2.
  • The studies suggest that addressing multiple pressor mechanisms is important for achieving blood pressure control, especially in patients with hypertension 2, 3, 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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