systolic the top number which is also the higher of the two numbers measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts). diastolic the bottom number which is also the lower of the two numbers measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood). blood pressure systolic diastolic normal less than 120 less than 80 prehypertension 120-139 80-89 hypertension1 140-159 90-99 hypertension2 160 or higher 100 or higher hypertenion crisis higher than 180 higher than 110 maybe this will help
what does it mean when your top # is high but bottom one is normal. as in 153 over 72? pulse also 72. i am male 64. walk for excercize moderate smoker and drinker slightly overweight take bp meds.