Blood Pressure
The top (systolic) number is pressure when the heart beats, and the bottom (diastolic) is when it rests, with high readings indicating hypertension (high blood pressure) and low readings suggesting hypotension (low blood pressure), both carrying health risks if consistently abnormal.
Understanding
About Blood Pressure
Monitoring your blood pressure is essential for your long-term health. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and severely high levels can result in life-threatening hypertensive emergencies. Conversely, low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, fainting, or injuries from falls. In severe cases, it can restrict blood flow to major organs, leading to complications such as shock.
Because you often cannot determine your blood pressure based on how you feel, the only way to accurately assess it is by using proper equipment. While you can monitor your blood pressure at home, this should supplement—rather than replace—regular measurements taken at your healthcare provider’s office.
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