Understanding Blood Pressure: Systolic & Diastolic Readings

Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), and is recorded as two numbers: the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.

- Systolic pressure is the higher number, and it represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.

- Diastolic pressure is the lower number, and it represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.

Blood pressure is measured using a sphygmomanometer, which is a device that consists of an inflatable cuff, a pressure gauge, and a stethoscope. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm, and the pressure is inflated until the blood flow in the artery under the cuff is blocked. The pressure is then slowly released, and the gauge records the pressure at which the blood flow is first heard (systolic pressure) and the pressure at which the blood flow is no longer heard (diastolic pressure).