Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing up against the artery walls. When the heart contracts the force against the artery wall is highest (systolic pressure) and when it relaxes (between beats) it is at its lowest (Diastolic pressure).

With high blood pressure the work load of the heart and arteries is higher than normal. The heart must pump harder to pump enough blood around the body and the arteries carry the blood under a greater pressure. The heart muscle stretches and thickens as a result of this and can impair its functioning over time. A significantly enlarged heart struggles to carry out its functions.

When you get your blood pressure taken you will probably have heard the doctor saying 2 numbers e.g 120/80 or when spoken 120 over 80. The top number or first number indicates the pressure when the heart contracts/beats (systolic) and the bottom number or the second number refers to the heart between beats ie when relaxed.

The normal for an average adult is about 140/80.

‘This information is intended as a guide only and should not be used as a substitute for medical information from your own doctor’