What defines blood pressure (BP)?

Blood pressure (BP) is defined as the force exerted against the walls of the arteries by the blood as it is pumped through the circulatory system. This force results from the heart's contractions and the properties of the blood vessels, including their elasticity and resistance. Higher blood pressure indicates that the heart is generating more force to push blood through the arteries, whereas lower blood pressure may suggest reduced cardiac output or increased vessel compliance.

The various components of cardiovascular health involve several factors, such as blood volume, heart rate, and cardiac output. However, the specific definition of blood pressure focuses solely on the interplay between blood flow and arterial resistance, thus making the correct answer the most accurate representation of what blood pressure entails.