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# Blood Pressure

blood pres·sure - blud PRESH-er

## Definition

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of your arteries as the heart pumps it through your body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number, measuring pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the bottom number, measuring pressure when the heart rests between beats). A reading of 120/80 mmHg is considered normal for most adults.

Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day - rising during physical activity and emotional stress, and falling during sleep and relaxation. These temporary changes are normal. However, when blood pressure remains consistently elevated (a condition called hypertension), it forces the heart to work harder and damages the walls of arteries over time. This damage accelerates [atherosclerosis](/glossary/atherosclerosis) and increases the risk of [heart attack](/glossary/myocardial-infarction), stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.

[Hypertension](/glossary/hypertension) is often called 'the silent killer' because it typically produces no symptoms until significant organ damage has occurred. Approximately 47% of American adults - nearly half - have [hypertension](/conditions/hypertension), defined as blood pressure at or above 130/80 mmHg, or taking blood pressure medication. Regular monitoring is essential because early detection and management can prevent the serious complications of chronically elevated blood pressure.

## Also Known As

BP Arterial pressure 

## Key Facts

-   • Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg; elevated is 120-129/<80; stage 1 hypertension is 130-139 or 80-89; stage 2 is 140+ or 90+. 
-   • Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, but only about 1 in 4 have it under control. 
-   • Reducing sodium intake, exercising regularly, maintaining healthy weight, and limiting alcohol are the most effective lifestyle modifications. 
-   • Blood pressure tends to increase with age due to stiffening of arterial walls. 
-   • White coat hypertension - elevated readings at the doctor's office but normal at home - affects 15-30% of patients. 

## How It Relates To Your Health

Blood pressure measurement is one of the most fundamental vital signs in clinical medicine. Elevated blood pressure is a major modifiable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and vascular dementia. If your readings are consistently above 130/80, your healthcare provider will likely recommend lifestyle modifications and possibly medications depending on your overall [cardiovascular](/glossary/cardiovascular) risk profile.

Home blood pressure monitoring is increasingly recommended for accurate diagnosis and effective management, as it eliminates white coat effects and provides a more complete picture of your blood pressure patterns across different times of day and activities.

## Related Terms

[Hypertension](/glossary/hypertension)[Atherosclerosis](/glossary/atherosclerosis)[Cardiovascular](/glossary/cardiovascular)[Aorta](/glossary/aorta)

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## Sources

1.  [Understanding Blood Pressure Readings](https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings) - American Heart Association
2.  [High Blood Pressure](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure) - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)
3.  [High blood pressure (hypertension)](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20373410) - Mayo Clinic

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