What does blood pressure measure?

Blood pressure is a critical measurement that indicates how well the heart is working in terms of its ability to pump blood throughout the circulatory system. When we measure blood pressure, we are assessing the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it out. This force is represented by two numbers: systolic pressure, which occurs during heartbeats, and diastolic pressure, which occurs when the heart is at rest between beats. Thus, by evaluating blood pressure, healthcare professionals can gain insights into cardiovascular health and the overall efficiency of the heart.

The other options focus on different physiological aspects. The volume of blood in the body is important for overall health but is not directly measured by blood pressure; rather, it relates to fluid balance and circulation. The strength of the pulse provides information about heart rhythm and rate but does not quantify the pressure exerted by the blood. Lastly, oxygen levels in the blood are typically measured through pulse oximetry or arterial blood gases, rather than through blood pressure readings.