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The Curious Bag
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Blood pressure numbers indicate how efficiently a heart is working to pump blood throughout the body. Readings can change throughout the day and after exercise, but consistently high numbers indicate a problem. High blood pressure indicates possible damage to an individual's arteries, heart and internal organs.
Top Number
The top number in a blood pressure ratio is known as the systolic reading and measures pressure in the arteries during heart beats. It's measured as millimeters over mercury, for example 117 over 76 mm Hg.
Bottom Number
The bottom number is the diastolic reading. It measures pressure in the arteries between beats.
Normal Blood Pressure
The American Heart Association defines normal blood pressure as a systolic less than 120 and a diastolic less than 80. Numbers higher than 120 over 80 can be serious.
High Blood Pressure
Pre-hypertension is defined as a systolic of 120 to 139 or a diastolic of 80 to 89. The first stage of hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a systolic of 140 to 159 or a diastolic of 90 to 99, while the second stage is a systolic of 160 or higher and a diastolic of 100 or higher.
Systolic Emphasis
The systolic reading usually gains the most attention. The number rises steadily as people get older, beginning around 50 years old.
Warning
An individual is in serious danger if a systolic is higher than 180 or the diastolic is higher than 110. He or she must seek immediate medical care.
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