What does BP stand for in a medical context?

In a medical context, BP stands for Blood Pressure. Blood pressure is a critical measurement that indicates the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is expressed in two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats). Monitoring blood pressure is essential because it can provide valuable insights into an individual's cardiovascular health, helping to identify conditions such as hypertension, which can lead to more severe health issues if left unaddressed. Therefore, understanding blood pressure readings is paramount in assessing a person's overall health and well-being.