Blood pressure is the force of blood pressing against the inside of the arteries when the heart beats and when the heart is at rest.

Blood pressure readings are recorded with two numbers, one over the other, as a ratio. For example, a normal blood pressure reading should be less than 120 over 80 millimeters of mercury.

Systolic pressure is the top number, in this example 120, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.

Diastolic pressure is the bottom number, in this example 80, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.

If your blood pressure is in the borderline range or high blood pressure range, then it is higher than it should be and you should talk to your doctor more about diagnosing and treating hypertension to prevent serious health problems.