Blood Pressure (1)

Definition of blood pressure

Pressure applied by the blood on the walls of the blood vessels during blood circulation

Tool to measure blood circulation

Sphygmomanometer

Unit for blood pressure

millimetres of mercury (mmHg)

Definition of systolic

Pressure applied on the wall of blood vessels when the heart muscles contract

Definition of diastolic

Pressure applied on the wall of blood vessels when the heart muscle is resting

Measurement of blood pressure

systolic/diastolic (systolic per diastolic)

Blood pressure optimal (systolic/diastolic)

<120/<80

Blood pressure normal (systolic/diastolic)

120-129/80-84

Blood pressure at risk (systolic/diastolic)

130-139/85-89

Definition of hypertension

Is a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher