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  • Blood pressure is the pressure of blood flow within arteries during and between heartbeats. Blood pressure readings, an important indicator of overall health, consist of two numbers, the systolic and the diastolic.

    Systolic Pressure

    The systolic pressure number appears first in a blood pressure reading. Systolic pressure is the amount of pressure exerted when heart muscle contracts, pumping blood out into the arteries.

    Diastolic Pressure

    Diastolic pressure, the second number in a blood pressure reading, is the pressure within arteries in the interlude between heartbeats.

    Normal Readings

    According to the Mayo Clinic, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 or lower is normal, although some experts consider 115/75 to be a better cutoff point.

    Hypotension

    Blood pressure readings of 90/60 or below indicate hypotension, or low blood pressure, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

    Hypertension

    According to the NHLBI, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is measured in stages. Prehypertension is 120 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 diastolic. Stage 1 hypertension is 140 to 159 systolic or 90 to 99 diastolic, and stage 2 hypertension is 160 or higher systolic or 100 or higher diastolic.

    Source:

    Mayo Clinic: Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

    National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Hypotension

    National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: High Blood Pressure

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