Learn what blood pressure numbers mean and how to measure them. Find out the healthy and unhealthy ranges of blood pressure and how to control high blood pressure with lifestyle changes and medication. Blood pressure is the amount of force your blood uses to get through your arteries. Learn how providers measure it and what your numbers should be. The American Heart Association outlines a normal blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg for adults. Here is a chart that breaks down the ideal blood pressure and heart rate range by age. Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels. Most of this pressure results from the heart pumping blood through the circulatory system. When used without qualification, the term " blood pressure " refers to the pressure in a brachial artery, where it is most commonly measured. Blood pressure is usually expressed in terms of the systolic pressure (maximum pressure during one heartbeat) over diastolic pressure (minimum pressure between two ...
