Blood circulates in our body through arteries, or blood vessels. During each heart cycle, which takes about a second when we are relaxed, the heart forces or pumps the blood into the arteries. The pressure on their walls caused by blood flow is known as blood pressure.

The highest level of blood pressure during a heartbeat is systolic pressure. When the heart takes a short rest before the next heartbeat, your blood pressure falls to its diastolic level. Blood pressure may change significantly due to certain factors including stresses, nervous situation, and physical activities. But even if everything goes as usual, blood pressure may vary simply in the course of a day. Mostly, it keeps to a certain level especially when you do not make many moves while standing or sitting. According to recommendations of healthcare professionals, it should be lower than 120/80.

When measuring your blood pressure, the physician always gives two numbers, your systolic pressure and diastolic pressure (for example 120/80), as they both are of equal importance. The first number (sometimes written on top) relates to systolic pressure, the second refers to your diastolic level. When you see 120/80 numbers, you can tell for sure that the person's pressure is 120 over 80, which is admittedly a norm. With figures like 140/90 a person is considered to have elevated blood pressure. It means that the heart and the arteries are subject to additional loads. Consequently, high blood pressure is often associated with additional risk of a heart attack, a stroke, or potential kidney issues.