Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries.
Blood pressure has two readings, systolic and diastolic.
Systolic is the higher number and represents the pressure while the heart contracts to pump blood to the body.
Diastolic is the lower number and represents the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats.
Blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg is considered optimal for adults.
You should check your blood pressure on a regular basis for the good of your health. Diet and exercise can help bring high blood pressure down.
If your blood pressure is abnormal, consult your family doctor for treatment options.