|
|
Low blood pressure.(Senior Health Advisor)(Disease/Disorder overview)
- Article from:
- Clinical Reference Systems
- Article date:
- November 1, 2008
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2008 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels during and after each beat of the heart. Blood pressure can rise and fall with exercise, rest, or emotions. Normal blood pressure ranges up to 120/80 ("120 over 80"). The upper number (120) is the pressure when the heart pushes blood out to the rest of the body (systolic pressure). The bottom number (80) is the pressure when the heart rests between beats (diastolic pressure).
What is low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure (hypotension) usually means blood pressure that is lower than 90/60 in younger adults, or is low enough to cause ...