Blood pressure

Question 1

What is blood pressure?

Answer 1

Blood pressure is the amount of force exerted by blood on vessel walls as the left ventricle of the heart contracts and relaxes.

Example: Blood pressure is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Question 2

What is systole?

Answer 2

Systole (Systolic Pressure). Pressure within arteries increases as the left ventricle contracts and ejects blood.

Example: The systolic pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading.

Question 3

What is diastole?

Answer 3

Diastole (Diastolic Pressure). Pressure within arteries decreases as the left ventricle relaxes and fills with blood.

Example: The diastolic pressure is the bottom number in a blood pressure reading.

Question 4

How is blood pressure usually measured?

Answer 4

Blood pressure is usually measured in the brachial artery using a blood pressure cuff or sphygmomanometer.

Example: A healthcare provider inflates the cuff and listens for the sounds of blood flow using a stethoscope.

Question 5

What do the higher and lower numbers represent in a blood pressure reading?

Answer 5

The higher number represents systolic pressure; the lower number represents diastolic pressure.

Example: A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg indicates a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80.

Question 6

When is hypertension suspected?

Answer 6

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is suspected when blood pressure readings reach or exceed 140/90.

Example: A blood pressure reading of 150/95 mmHg would be considered hypertension.