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What is the meaning of the numbers in a blood pressure reading?

When blood is forced into the aorta (main artery carrying blood away from the heart), it exerts a pressure against the aorta walls. This is referred to as blood pressure.

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: an upper number, the systolic; and a lower number, the diastolic. The systolic is a measure of the pressure exerted by the blood when the heart muscle is contracting. The diastolic is a measure of the pressure exerted by the blood when the heart chambers are relaxed.

The normal blood pressure is around 110/60 to 140/90. However, what is considered "normal" varies with age, gender, weight, and other factors.

Sources: Melonakos, K. Saunders Pocket Reference for Nurses, p. 14; Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and lied Health Dictionary, 3rd ed., pp. 367, 1146.

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