Blood pressure is defined as the measure of the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body's arteries. It is typically recorded using two values: systolic pressure, which represents the peak force when blood is pumped from the heart, and diastolic pressure, which represents the minimum force when the heart rests between beats. This measurement provides critical information regarding cardiovascular function and the structural integrity of the vascular system. Variations in blood pressure, especially persistently elevated levels, can indicate conditions such as hypertension and may contribute to strain on organs and vessels over time.