Blood pressure is a measure of the pressure on the inside of the artery walls, generated during the contraction and relaxation of the ventricles. When the ventricles contract to force blood out into the arteries, systolic pressure (the top number) is recorded. Diastolic pressure is the bottom number, recorded when the ventricles are relaxed and filling with blood from the atria.

The sphygmomanometer is the gauge which records the numbers that become your blood pressure. This module explains in step-by-step fashion how the traditional blood pressure test works. Follow the steps to see and hear how your blood pressure score is generated.