Many people do not know what the two numbers in the blood-pressure reading measure, but this is one of the most crucial numbers on a person’s health record. You’ll hear a reading like 120 over 80, but what does that say about your heart?
Blood pressure is the force against the artery walls as blood flows through them. It’s expressed in the form of two numbers, systolic above, and diastolic below. By knowing both numbers, you can know when your heart and blood vessels need attention.
It has been noted that high blood pressure is very common. Throughout the United States, 47.7% of all adults were diagnosed with hypertension in 2021–2023, with a prevalence of >70% among adults aged 60 or older. One way to catch a problem early is regular check-ups since high blood pressure rarely has symptoms.
What Is Systolic Blood Pressure?
The top number is the systolic blood pressure. Measures the pressure of blood in the arteries during the time when the heart is pumping it out to the body. For instance, your reading is 128/82 – the systolic is 128.
A large systolic number may indicate that the heart is working harder than is necessary. This can stress the heart and cause damage to blood vessels and raises the risk of a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and other problems over time.
What Is Diastolic Blood Pressure?
The bottom number is called the diastolic blood pressure. Measures blood pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest. The diastolic (bottom) number of a reading is 82.
If the reading on the bottom number is higher, it is an indication of the known high pressure of the arteries during the time when the heart relaxes between heartbeats. This can also lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly if long-term.
According to the American Heart Association, the systolic pressure is the pressure of the arteries during the contraction of the heart and the diastolic is the pressure of the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.
What Blood Pressure Numbers Are Considered Normal?
For adults, a low blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. Blood Pressure is elevated when the first number is 120–129 even though the second number is less than 80.
Blood pressure that is 130/80 mm Hg or above is high. Stage 1 hypertension is a reading of 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic. Stage 2 hypertension is defined as 140 or greater systolic and/or 90 or greater diastolic. A blood pressure reading of greater than 180 and/or 120 is regarded as severe and could warrant prompt medical help, particularly if symptoms are being experienced.
Why One Reading Is Not Always Enough
Diurnal variation of blood pressure is possible. Factors that can alter the reading include stress, caffeine, exercise, pain, illnesses, smoking, certain medications and even talking during the measurement. That’s why a provider will consider multiple readings rather than just one number.
CDC stresses the need for a proper reading as a falsely low reading can provide unwarranted reassurance and a falsely high one may result in unnecessary treatment. It’s important to position yourself correctly: sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, arm at chest level, no words spoken during the reading and your cuff on bare skin.
When Should You Be Concerned?
If readings are consistently out of the normal range (130/80 or above), an appointment with a health care professional is needed. Call for urgent medical treatment if you get a very high reading, if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, a really bad headache, confusion, weakness, a change in vision or have difficulty talking.
Final Thoughts
The numbers on your blood pressure reading are more than just numbers. They serve as an early indicator of trouble with your heart, blood vessels, kidneys or even your brain. Understanding the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure also means you know what risks you have and what to do about it in time before there is any big problem.
For blood pressure checks, heart health screenings, medication review, or help understanding your numbers, email appointment@familydiagnosticclinic.com and our team will get you scheduled.
