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Blood Pressure Reading
By peace | August 9, 2007
A blood pressure reading consists of two figures, written as 120/80 mmHg and read as “120 over 80″. The upper figure is the measurement taken when your heart is contracting and is known as the systolic pressure. The lower figure is the one taken when your heart relaxes, and is known as the diastolic pressure.
Systolic Pressure
The pressure in your blood vessels is at its peak when your heart contracts to squeeze blood into the arteries. This systolic pressure, measured when the doctor or nurse first hears the sound of your heartbeat, reflects the work of your heart and can vary a lot depending on what you are doing.
In a healthy person, the systolic pressure is normally between 120 and 140 milimetres of mercury, written as 120 or 140 mmHg.
Diastolic Pressure
The pressure in your blood vessels is at its lowest when your heart relaxes and fills with blood. This is known as the diastolic blood pressure, which the doctor or nurse records at the last sound of your heart beating.
In a healthy person, the diastolic pressure is around 80mmHg.
Normally, when the systolic pressure is raised, the diastolic pressure is too, and vice versa. It used to be believed that raised diastolic pressure was more important than raised systolic pressure, because it is a sign that the medium-sized or small arteries have become stiff and narrowed. Research has now shown, however, that if you are over 40 a raised systolic pressure, which indicates how hard your heart is having to work, is also significant — especially in predicting whether you will develop heart disease.
Topics: All Posts, Health, Man's health, Woman's Health | No Comments »
