Final answer:
Blood pressure readings consist of systolic and diastolic values, obtained using a sphymomanometer. Systolic pressure, the higher of the two, varies with physical activity, while diastolic pressure is an indicator of fluid balance and vessel dilation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we take a blood pressure reading, we obtain two values: a. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The process of measuring blood pressure involves a device called a sphymomanometer, which includes a cuff that wraps around the arm, a pump, and a stethoscope for auditory detection of blood flow. A blood pressure reading is typically represented as a ratio, such as 120/80 mm Hg, with the systolic pressure being the higher number, indicating arterial pressure during heart contraction, and the diastolic pressure being the lower number, reflecting arterial pressure during heart relaxation.Systolic pressure may rise dramatically during exercise to increase blood flow and then return to baseline with no adverse effects, and it is essential for the health of the circulatory system. Diastolic pressure serves as an indicator of fluid balance, with low diastolic pressure possibly signifying internal bleeding, and high diastolic pressure indicating blood vessels are not dilating correctly, which can strain the heart.