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Blood Pressure: The Primary Circulatory System

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The primary circulatory system is made up of the heart, blood, and blood vessels. Blood is carried to the entire body through the blood vessels via the pumping of the heart. Oxygen and nutrients are carried to the cells and carbon dioxide and waste are carried away from the cells.

When the heart pumps the blood, it pushes up against the artery, this force is called blood pressure. If the force is too high it is called hypertension. Most often the blood pressure is tested by a healthcare worker using a gauge, sensor, or a stethoscope and they measure the systolic pressure (blood pressure when the heart beats) and the diastolic pressure (blood pressure between heartbeats). The reading is systolic over diastolic, for example, 120/80.

The heartbeat
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