Blood pressure is indeed the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it throughout your body. Arteries are responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to various organs and tissues.
What do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
Blood pressure is not constant but rather varies throughout the day and in response to different activities and situations. It is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is expressed as two numbers:
Systolic Pressure: This is the higher number and represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood into the arteries. It is the maximum pressure during a cardiac cycle.
Diastolic Pressure: This is the lower number and represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats. It is the minimum pressure during a cardiac cycle.
Blood pressure can be affected by various factors, including physical activity, stress, diet, and medications. It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, as consistently high blood pressure (hypertension) can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Conversely, consistently low blood pressure (hypotension) can also have health implications and may require medical attention in certain cases.
What are normal blood pressure numbers?
A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg.
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