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Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in your arteries
(blood vessels). Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury
(mmHg). Your blood pressure is recorded as two figures. For example,
150/95 mmHg. This is said as '150 over 95'.
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The top (first) number is the systolic pressure.
This is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts. |
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The bottom (second) number is the diastolic pressure. This is
the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between each
heartbeat. |
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Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of your
body in vessels called arteries. Blood pressure is the force of the
blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Each time the heart
beats (about 60-70 times a minute at rest), it pumps out blood into
the arteries.
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Your blood pressure is at its highest when the heart
beats, pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When the
heart is at rest, between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is
the diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is always given as these two
numbers, the systolic and diastolic pressures.
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Both are important.
Usually they are written one above or before the other, such as 120/80
mmHg. The top number is the systolic and the bottom the diastolic.
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Blood pressure changes during the day. It is lowest as
you sleep and rises when you get up. It also can rise when you are
excited, nervous, or active. Still, for most of your waking hours,
your blood pressure stays pretty much the same when you are sitting
or standing still. That level should be lower than 120/80.
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When the level
stays high, 140/90 or higher, you have high blood pressure. With high
blood pressure, the heart works harder, your arteries take a
beating, and your chances of a stroke, heart
attack, and kidney problems are greater.
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This section has three pages. Use navigation strip to access other pages.
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Peter Scott - Team Leader
