What is your blood pressure for?

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels. It is expressed in units of millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

Blood pressure is necessary to circulate blood throughout the body and deliver oxygen and nutrients to the cells. It also helps to remove waste products from the cells.

Blood pressure is determined by:

- Cardiac output: The amount of blood pumped out by the heart in one minute.

- Total peripheral resistance (TPR): The resistance to blood flow in the blood vessels.

- Blood volume: The amount of blood in the body.

Blood pressure is normally measured in the upper arm with a sphygmomanometer. The sphygmomanometer consists of an inflatable cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm and a gauge that measures the pressure in the cuff.

The blood pressure reading consists of two numbers:

- Systolic blood pressure: The pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.

- Diastolic blood pressure: The pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

A normal blood pressure reading for an adult is 120/80 mm Hg.

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

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is a condition in which the blood pressure is consistently below normal levels. Hypotension can cause symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

Blood pressure is an important indicator of overall health. It is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have any risk factors for high blood pressure.