blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It is measured with two numbers: systolic pressure (the force when the heart contracts) over diastolic pressure (the force when the heart rests between beats). Normal blood pressure helps ensure your organs receive enough oxygen and nutrients. High blood pressure (hypertension) can strain your arteries and increase health risks, while low blood pressure (hypotension) might cause dizziness and fainting. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is important for overall cardiovascular health and can often be managed through lifestyle and, if needed, medication.