Every heartbeat sends a pulse of pressure through the arteries. Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries, recorded as systolic over diastolic values in millimeters of mercury.

Normal adult readings cluster around 120/80 mmHg, though optimal targets vary with age and disease. Hypertension damages vessels and organs over years; hypotension can deprive tissues of adequate flow. Measurement with a cuff and manometer or automated device remains a routine part of clinical assessment.

Blood pressure fluctuates with activity, emotion, and time of day. Multiple readings and home monitoring often give a clearer picture than a single office value. Lifestyle measures and medication can bring elevated pressure under control and reduce long-term cardiovascular risk.

• Force of blood against arterial walls
• Expressed as systolic over diastolic mmHg
• Elevated values increase cardiovascular risk
• Measured routinely and modifiable by treatment