Which best describes how blood pressure is measured and why it is important?

blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is shown through 2 numbers.

top number is systolic pressure that measures the blood pressure as the heart beats

bottom number is diastolic pressure that measures the blood pressure when the heart relaxes between beats

It is important because both numbers helps the doctor look at the force of your blood against the walls of the blood vessels.  Monitoring your blood pressure is important because you may be at a risk of other health problems in the future, putting extra stain on your arteries and the heart.  

Over time, the strain can cause you arteries to become thick and less flexible or become weaker.  If the arteries become thicker and less flexible, you may develop clots that can lead to heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, or dementia.

Normal blood pressure that is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

High blood pressure is a reading of 140/90 and higher

Explanation: