When recording Blood Pressure readings, the first number expressed is the ___________ pressure, while the second number expressed is the ____________ pressure.

The first number expressed in a blood pressure reading is the systolic pressure, which represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood. This reading gives insight into how much pressure the blood is exerting against the artery walls during the contraction phase of the heart.

The second number expressed is the diastolic pressure, which indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. This value shows how much pressure remains in the arteries when the heart is not actively pumping blood, reflecting the minimum pressure experienced in the arteries during the relaxation phase of the cardiac cycle.

Understanding these two components is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health. A healthy blood pressure reading helps in identifying conditions like hypertension or hypotension, which can lead to serious health complications.