The force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as two numbers:
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Systolic blood pressure (top number): The pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
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Diastolic blood pressure (bottom number): The pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats.
For most adults, normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
Persistently elevated blood pressure, known as hypertension, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other cardiovascular complications.
Resource: American Heart Association — Understanding Blood Pressure Readings