Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. Most of this pressure results from the heart pumping blood through the circulatory system. Blood pressure is usually expressed in terms of the systolic pressure (maximum pressure during one heartbeat) over diastolic pressure (minimum pressure between two heartbeats) in the cardiac cycle. The ideal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, while high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher.

BP is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and is given as two figures: systolic pressure, which is the pressure when your heart pushes blood out, and diastolic pressure, which is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

BP is an important indicator of health, and high blood pressure is called the “silent killer” because it usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. By taking action to lower your blood pressure, you can help protect yourself against heart disease and stroke.

BP should not be confused with BP p.l.c., which is a British multinational oil and gas company.