Hypertension and exercise Editted by HANNGILL 2009.2.6. § What Is Hypertension? Blood pressure (i.e., the force exerted by blood against the arterial walls) is indirectly measured with a sphygmomanometer or blood pressure cuff. Blood pressure is determined by how much blood the heart pumps and the resistance to blood flow. Systolic pressure (SBP) is produced as the hear..