Blood pressure is a measure of the force that your heart uses to pump blood around your body. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is given as two figures: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, while diastolic pressure measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg.
It is important to note that blood pressure can vary between individuals, and the ideal blood pressure range may depend on factors such as age, overall health, and the presence of other chronic conditions such as heart disease or kidney disease. However, as a general guide, a target blood pressure below 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic is recommended by the American Heart Association.
It is also worth noting that blood pressure can become too high or too low. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often related to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight, and not exercising enough. Left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of developing serious long-term health conditions such as coronary heart disease. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is not typically as worrisome as high blood pressure, but it can still indicate health issues.