Can anyone give me a simple definition of blood pressure or where to find it ?
Basic: blood pressure is the pressure that the blood exerts on the blood vessel walls, more complicated: this is at its highest right after a systole ( a beat) and lowest when the heart is preparing to beat again. For blood pressure values e.g. 120/80 The higher number (or systolic) is the maximum pressure that the blood exerts. The lowest number (or diastolic) is the minimum pressure the blood exerts. Blood pressure is highest just as the blood leaves the heart (in the aorta) and lowest just before re-entering the heart (in the vena cavae). Blood pressure is affected by many things including diet, exercise levels, fitness levels, cholesterol levels, smoking and stress to name but a few. High blood pressure (or hypertension) can be dangerous and can lead to heart problems and strokes, but drugs to lower blood pressure are readily available. There are no particular problems associated with low blood pressure, but this may be an indicator of certain illnesses.
