What Are the Two Different Readings in Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure of blood against the walls of blood vessels.

Blood Pressure

• A blood pressure measurement consists of two numbers. One number measures the pressure of blood against the vessels as the heart pumps blood through the circulatory system. The other number measures the pressure of the blood between heartbeats.

Systolic

• The systolic number, which is the top number, is the measurement of blood pressure while the heart contracts and pumps blood through the body. It is also the measurement of a person's maximum blood pressure.

Diastolic

• The diastolic number, which is the bottom number, is the measurement of blood pressure created when the heart relaxes between beats. It is also the measurement of a person's minimum blood pressure.

Measurements

• Both systolic and diastolic readings are measured in mmHG. This stands for millimeters of mercury. Blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomanometer. This machine has tube that inflates and attaches to a unit that measures the blood pressure. This unit contains mercury and is calibrated in millimeters of mercury.

Optimal Blood Pressure

• The optimal blood pressure for adults is 120 over 80 mmHG or less. For adults, low blood pressure is 100 over 60.