What are the two components that make up a blood pressure measurement?

Blood pressure is measured using two key components: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure represents the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart beats and pumps blood into the arteries. This value is recorded as the higher number in a blood pressure reading. Diastolic pressure, on the other hand, indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, recorded as the lower number. Together, these two measurements provide a comprehensive view of cardiovascular health.

The other choices present terms that do not accurately represent the components of a blood pressure measurement. For instance, pulse refers to the rate at which the heart beats, and while it is important for overall heart health, it is not a component of blood pressure measurement. Similarly, a diastolic and systolic mean would imply an average of the two pressures, which is not how blood pressure is conventionally reported. Lastly, while the heart rate is an important vital sign, it does not form a part of blood pressure itself, making these options distinct from the proper definition.