Blood pressure check
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It's a vital sign used to assess heart and blood vessel health.
Components of Blood Pressure:
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
Systolic pressure (top number):
The pressure when your heart beats and pumps blood out.
Diastolic pressure (bottom number):
The pressure when your heart is at rest between beats.
Normal vs. Abnormal Blood Pressure:
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | Less than 80 |
| High (Stage 1) | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| High (Stage 2) | 140 | 90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | 180+ or | 120 |
Why Blood Pressure Matters:
High blood pressure (hypertension) can damage arteries and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and more.
Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, fainting, and inadequate blood flow to organs.