What does a blood pressure measure?

A blood pressure measure provides information about the force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels. It is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), and it has two values: systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure.

1. Systolic Blood Pressure:

- This is the higher number in a blood pressure reading and refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood into the vessels. It represents the maximum pressure reached during a heartbeat.

2. Diastolic Blood Pressure:

- This is the lower number in a blood pressure reading and indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes and refills with blood. It shows the minimum pressure maintained in the arteries before the next heartbeat.

Normal blood pressure levels for adults are defined as follows:

- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg

- Prehypertension: 120-129/80-89 mm Hg

- Hypertension (Stage 1): 130-139/80-89 mm Hg

- Hypertension (Stage 2): 140/90 mm Hg or higher

Blood pressure measurements help healthcare professionals assess cardiovascular health and identify conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure). Hypertension is a significant risk factor for heart disease, strokes, and kidney problems.