What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is typically recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number). A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems, while low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms.

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels. It is determined both by the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the resistance to blood flow in the vessels.

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), and is typically written as two numbers: the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.

- Systolic pressure is the pressure when the heart beats and pumps blood out into the arteries.
- Diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.

A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure readings between 120/80 mm Hg and 140/90 mm Hg are considered prehypertension. Blood pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg or higher are considered high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is a force of blood pushing against the wall of arteries