

About Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of arteries as it flows through them. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and consists of two values – the systolic pressure (the higher number) and diastolic pressure (the lower number).
Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, pumping blood out of the heart and into the arteries. Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be below 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when blood pressure is consistently elevated and can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can cause dizziness, fainting, and other symptoms.
Factors that can affect blood pressure include age, gender, family history, diet, exercise, stress, and certain medical conditions or medications. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, reducing salt intake, and managing stress can help lower blood pressure.
It is important to have blood pressure checked regularly by a healthcare provider, as high blood pressure often has no symptoms and can go undetected for years. Treatment for high blood pressure may include lifestyle changes and/or medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.