Blood pressure
 
Having your blood pressure taken is simple and painless and gives your doctor some valuable information. When your heart beats, it forces blood through the vessels around the body. The blood pressure test measures the maximum pressure (systolic) and the lowest pressure (diastolic) produced by the heart as it pumps. 
 

• Systolic pressure is the measurement of the pressure in an artery when the heart pumps blood into the vessels. This is the first number of the blood pressure measurement. 
   
  
• Diastolic pressure Between heartbeats, while the heart is resting, the pressure in the arteries is lower. This is the second number in the blood pressure measurement.

 
Knowing your numbers 
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). There are different views about blood pressure levels, but the British Heart Foundation and the NHS state the following blood pressure numbers as a guide: 
 

• Low blood pressure is generally considered to be below 110/60 mmHg. 
   
  
• Target blood pressure for adults is considered to be around 140/85 mmHg. If you have diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease, your target may be below 130/80. 
   
  
• High blood pressure is usually considered to occur when your blood pressure is consistently more than 140/90 mmHg. It's important to note however that there is no set dividing line between normal blood pressure and slightly raised blood pressure. Different doctors may have different views about 'borderline' blood pressure levels.

 
Blood pressure that is continually high will increase the force of the blood on the vessel walls and can damage blood vessels and organs, including the heart, kidneys, eyes and brain. However, if you do have high blood pressure, there is something you can do about it. By discussing your test results with your doctor you can talk through a number of options and agree how you can best manage your high blood pressure.