Is the reason why an automated blood pressure monitor presses so very hard is artery blood flow must be temporarily stopped for a measurement? thanks.

Yes: You are correct. To get the upper level, systolic blood pressure, the arterial flow must be occluded. Wish you good health! - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Yes: The systolic component of your blood pressure (high #) is the pressure in mm of mercury just below what it takes to occlude the superficial artery. Restoration of blood flow creates turbulence/vibration that is measured by the automated cuff. When the cuff pressure falls sufficiently to allow full un-occluded flow, the vibrations stop. That number is your diastolic (lower #) blood pressure.