Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or less. what do each of the numbers mean

Answer 1

The numbers in blood pressure readings represent the pressure exerted on the walls of the arteries in two different phases of the cardiac cycle:

1. Systolic pressure (the top number) refers to the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood out to the body. In the example of 120/80, 120 mmHg represents the systolic pressure.

2. Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. In the example of 120/80, 80 mmHg represents the diastolic pressure.

Therefore, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 or less indicates that the individual has a healthy or normal blood pressure.