By eHow Health Editor
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Blood pressure is the pressure that the flow of blood exerts against the blood vessel walls as the heart pumps. Blood pressure changes from minute to minute and is affected by activity and rest, body temperature, diet, one's physical and emotional condition, medications and even posture. Doctors typically use a sphygmomanometer to measure the two components that compose a blood pressure reading--systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. This measuring device consists of a stethoscope, arm cuff, dial, pump and valve. Read on to learn how to interpret a blood pressure reading.
eHow Health Editor