There are two numbers that make up a blood pressure reading. One is the systolic pressure (the "top" number), which measures the pressure inside your blood vessels at the moment your heart beats. The other number is the diastolic pressure (the "bottom" number), which measures the pressure in your blood vessels between heartbeats, when your heart is resting. Your blood pressure will fluctuate throughout the day, depending on factors such as your posture, your level of exercise, and your stress level. Although a blood pressure reading of 120/80 is typically considered normal, it's best to use more than one reading to determine your average blood pressure.
(To read more, click Blood Pressure Readings. This article takes a closer look at how to measure blood pressure and describes the factors that can affect your blood pressure readings. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)