Blood pressure is an important measure of cardiovascular health. Blood pressure is typically measured when the heart is actively pumping (systolic blood pressure) and when it is at rest (diastolic blood pressure). High blood pressure can indicate that the arteries have narrowed and can also put additional stress on the heart, potentially causing it to weaken. Blood pressure machines can measure systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Step 1
Find the systolic pressure. Blood pressure is typically measured in units of millimeters of mercury, also known as bar. Systolic pressure is the higher of the two blood pressure measurements and will often be labeled systolic.
Step 2
Find the diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure is the lower of the two pressures.
Step 3
Identify any other numbers on the readout. Many readouts will include the pulse rate, measured in beats per minute.
