Blood pressure indicates pressure inside your vessels while the heart pumps blood and while it rests. This eMedTV article covers key aspects of blood pressure, like how it is measured, what is considered normal, and what can affect it.
As this eMedTV article explains, systolic blood pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading. It represents the amount of pressure blood puts on vessels when the heart is beating. This page takes a look at this number and how it is measured.
Diastolic blood pressure, represented by the bottom number in a blood pressure reading, is when your heart is resting. This page of the eMedTV library explains diastolic blood pressure and offers tips for keeping it low.
Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers written like a fraction. This page of the eMedTV archives explains what each of these blood pressure numbers mean and what is considered normal.
As this eMedTV page explains, a normal blood pressure range is anything from 90/60 to 120/80. Factors like lifestyle, diet, and family history can affect blood pressure, so several readings should be taken to determine your average blood pressure.
Blood pressure readings consist of two things -- systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. This eMedTV Web page discusses factors that influence these readings and explains how prehypertension and hypertension are classified.
This eMedTV page describes the process of taking blood pressure readings, including the devices used. When your blood pressure is being measured, it's important to get at least two readings -- taken at least two minutes apart -- and average the results.
There are two types of sphygmomanometers (devices used to measure blood pressure). This portion of the eMedTV archives takes a closer look at how blood pressure is measured, and also explains how these devices work.
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