What two components are measured in blood pressure?

The two components measured in blood pressure are systole and diastole. Systolic pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood, representing the maximum pressure exerted. Diastolic pressure, on the other hand, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, indicating the minimum pressure. The measurement of blood pressure is crucial as it reflects the overall health of the cardiovascular system and helps in diagnosing various conditions related to blood flow and heart function.

Other choices, while related to cardiovascular or respiratory assessments, do not accurately describe the specific components measured in a blood pressure reading. Heart rate and stroke volume define aspects of heart function but do not directly measure pressure. Respiration rate and pulse are essential vital signs, but they pertain to respiratory and heart rhythms, not blood pressure. Diastolic and systolic averages suggest a calculation rather than the distinct pressure components measured during a blood pressure assessment.