Blood Pressure Explained
By kathy77
@kathy77 (7486)
Australia
March 10, 2007 1:05pm CST
Did you ever wonder what the two numbers in your blood pressure mean? The first, or upper, number represents the "systolic" pressure. The lower number represents the "diastolic" pressure. Systolic pressure is the force generated in the blood vessels when the heart contracts,
thus pumping blood throughout the body. The diastolic pressure represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is relaxed. Both pressures are measured in millimeters of mercury (Hg). An ideal blood pressure is less than 120/80.
2 people like this
6 responses
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
11 Mar 07
I have to go for an operation end of the month and last week I had to go to a pre-assessment, the nurse took my blood pressure and when I asked what the numbers meant she just said I had excellent blood pressure but wouldn't say anything more, like it was a big secret! Thanks for explaining it to me. I am fascinated with how things work and I am very curious especially about the body.
1 person likes this
@happymommy3 (2012)
• United States
12 Mar 07
Well thank you for that great information. I had no idea what the two numbers meant. So now I know what they mean next time I check my blood pressure:)
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@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
11 Mar 07
I have often wondered about the two numbers for blood pressure, but never bothered to find out. I always want to know how and why things work, the ins and outs, so I appreciate your very detailed but simple explanation of how blood pressure machines work.
Thanks.
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@vivekk20 (185)
• India
12 Mar 07
blood pressure is defined as : perpendicular force exerted by flowing coloumn of blood to the waal of vessels carrying it. there is nothing like ideal . the range of systolic blood pressure is 100 to 140 and diastolic one is 60 to 90 for adults and its range differ according to age.
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