What vital sign reflects the pressure of blood in the arteries?

Blood pressure is the vital sign that specifically reflects the pressure of blood in the arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded using two numbers: systolic pressure (the pressure during heartbeats) and diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats). This measurement is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health, as it gives insights into how well the heart is functioning and how efficiently blood is circulating throughout the body.

In contrast, heart rate measures how many times the heart beats in a minute, respiratory rate indicates how many breaths a person takes in a minute, and body temperature provides information about the body's thermal state. While all of these vital signs are important for tracking overall health, they do not specifically measure the pressure of blood in the arteries like blood pressure does.