Blood pressure is the force of blood against the artery walls. The upper number is systolic pressure when the heart contracts; the lower number is diastolic pressure when it relaxes.
Which numbers should you know?
A commonly used reference for normal resting blood pressure in adults.
The WHO threshold for hypertension when readings remain at this level in a clinical setting.
One reading after exercise, stress or coffee is not enough for a diagnosis. Interpretation depends on repeated readings and your medical context.
How to measure correctly
- Avoid exercise, tobacco and coffee for 30 minutes beforehand.
- Sit quietly for 5 minutes with your back supported and feet flat.
- Use the correct cuff size on a bare arm supported at heart level.
- Take two readings about one minute apart and record them.
Why monitor it?
High blood pressure is often silent. Over time it increases the risk of stroke, heart disease and kidney damage. Less salt, regular activity, no tobacco and taking prescribed treatment can help control it.
Chest pain, sudden breathing difficulty, weakness on one side, or sudden speech or vision changes need urgent assessment. Do not rely on the number alone.
General information only. It does not replace medical consultation or diagnosis.