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Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure is at its greatest level when the heart contracts and is pumping the blood. This measurement is called systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest, in between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure. A blood pressure reading is always given as two numbers: one each for systolic and diastolic pressures.
Changes in blood pressure are normal during different daily activities. When blood pressure stays high all or most of the time, the blood is pushed against the walls of the arteries with greater force. This condition--called "high blood pressure" or "hypertension" can lead to serious medical problems.
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