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| Understanding your blood pressure numbers can help you recognise when your reading is normal, elevated or high. |
Blood pressure is one of the simplest health measurements, but those two numbers can tell you a lot about your heart and blood vessels.
A blood pressure reading such as 120/80 mmHg contains two numbers: the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. Understanding what these numbers mean can help you recognise when your blood pressure is healthy, elevated or potentially too high.
Important: One unusual blood pressure reading does not necessarily mean that you have hypertension.
Blood pressure can change because of stress, physical activity, caffeine, smoking, posture and other factors.
📌 Table of Contents
- What Is Blood Pressure?
- What Do the Two Numbers Mean?
- Blood Pressure Categories
- Why High Blood Pressure Matters
- Can High Blood Pressure Have No Symptoms?
- How to Measure Blood Pressure at Home
- Why Can Blood Pressure Suddenly Be High?
- Lifestyle Habits That Can Help
- When Should You See a Doctor?
- When Is Blood Pressure an Emergency?
- What Has Changed From the Original Article?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaway
🩺 What Is Blood Pressure?