What is blood pressure? When the heart pumps blood through the arteries, it puts pressure on their walls. This is known as blood pressure. Blood pressure is the pressure that blood exerts on the walls of the arteries. Arteries carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Blood pressure usually rises and falls throughout the day. What do the blood pressure numbers mean? Blood pressure is measured by two numbers: The first number, called systolic pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries as the heart beats. The second number, called diastolic pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. If the measurement indicates 120 systolic and 80 diastolic, you would say "120 over 80" or write "120/80 mmHg." What are the normal blood pressure values? Normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg.1 Regardless of your age, there are steps you can take every day to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. What is high blood pressure (hypertension)? High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is blood pressure higher than normal. Blood pressure varies throughout the day depending on activities. If your blood pressure is consistently above normal, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure (or hypertension). The higher the blood pressure level, the higher the risk of other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke. What is the fastest way to safely lower blood pressure? There are no quick fixes or tricks when it comes to blood pressure. Most lifestyle changes and treatments take time, and very few that work quickly will help you maintain healthy blood pressure over the long term. Rest and lie down for 10 minutes This simple act can lower blood pressure in minutes. A study in Archives of Medical Science found that blood pressure was lower when participants rested in a supine position for 10 minutes compared to sitting. B This can help lower heart rate and blood pressure. A study in the Journal of Human Hypertension found that practicing slowed breathing with a biofeedback device naturally slowed resting blood pressure, although it had no effect on blood pressure over time. De-stress Stress can cause blood pressure to rise. Find something to do to relieve stress. This can be as simple as going for a walk or listening to music. Mindfulness - the practice of being in the moment - has been shown to lower blood pressure in eight weeks, according to a study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension. Drink more water Dehydration contributes to high blood pressure, but staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help. U Being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends aiming for a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 to maintain healthy blood pressure. To control your weight, follow these recommendations for nutrition and physical activity. Another way to achieve a healthy weight is intermittent fasting, a form of time-restricted eating. This has also been shown to lower blood pressure in human studies. Eat a heart-healthy diet This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy and consuming less artery-clogging saturated and total fats. Plant compounds called flavanols may be particularly helpful in lowering blood pressure. One study of 25,000 people found that a diet rich in flavanols helps lower blood pressure. The higher the blood pressure, the greater these benefits, according to the study. Quit smoking if you smoke Smoking contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease, among other diseases. Take medications as prescribed Blood pressure-lowering drugs can help control blood pressure and stop its adverse and harmful effects. Blood pressure below 120 mm Hg systolic (top number) and below 80 mm Hg diastolic (bottom number) is considered normal. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. Untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other complications by damaging blood vessels throughout the body.