Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Systolic & Diastolic

Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

When your heart beats, it pumps blood through your arteries. The force of the blood against the walls of your arteries creates blood pressure.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:

* Systolic blood pressure: This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.

* Diastolic blood pressure: This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg. This means that your systolic blood pressure is 120 mm Hg and your diastolic blood pressure is 80 mm Hg.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which your blood pressure is consistently above normal. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other serious health problems.