Sometimes it seems that blood pressure is a hot topic that is referenced almost everywhere you turn. Even though most folks know that it is important, fewer people really know what it is and why it is so important to the state of your health.

Blood pressure is most definitely a hot health topic and is something that is on people's minds and in their conversations frequently. However, not everyone is clear about exactly what it is and how having either high or low blood pressure can impact the condition of your health.

Blood is constantly being moved throughout the body via your blood vessels and arteries. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force of your blood that is pushing against the walls of your arteries as it passes through them.

Every time your heart beats, which is about 60 to 70 times a minutes for the average, healthy person when at rest, it pumps blood out through the arteries which then carries it to every part of your body.

The blood pressure reading is at its highest when the heart beats and pushes out blood. This is called the systolic blood pressure. In between the beats your heart is at rest and the pressure in your arteries falls, this is the diastolic blood pressure reading.

Your blood pressure measurement is going to be at the highest when the heart beats, contracting to push the blood out. This is your systolic blood pressure reading. Between heartbeats, your heart has a momentary rest and the pressure in the arteries is reduced, giving you the diastolic blood pressure measurement.

Your blood pressure is always higher as the heart beats, which is when it contracts so that it can push the blood through the chambers and out into the arteries. The systolic blood pressure measurement is taken at this point. During the brief lapses between beats, the heart rests momentarily and the pressure is reduced at which point the diastolic blood pressure reading is taken.

Blood pressure measurements are always given as a pair of numbers representing the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure, which are both important measurements. These numbers are normally written as one before the other separated with a slash, such as 110/75 mmHg. The first number, also referred to as the top number, is the systolic reading. The second number, or bottom number, is the reading for the diastolic measurement.

When this pair of numbers is recorded, the systolic measurement is written first followed by the diastolic measurement and in speaking of these measurements, it is common to say "my blood pressure is 110 over 75" and is written as 110/75.

Your blood pressure changes throughout the day depending on your activities, your stress levels and your emotional states. It will be at its lowest while at rest, especially during sleep and rises during the day. If you spend most of your time sitting or standing it will remain relatively stable throughout the day.

The ideal blood pressure level is under 120/80. When the measurements stay consistently high, such as at the point of 140/90, then you are considered to have high blood pressure. This is a health concern because this state causes the heart to work harder, which will place stress on the arteries. It also increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney problems, such as kidney stones and kidney failure.

One common question people have is, what causes high blood pressure? Unfortunately, the answer is not simple and straightforward for many people because a single, specific cause cannot be pinpointed. This is known as primary or essential high blood pressure and there is ongoing research to learn more about the causes.

However, for others the condition is known to be a result of a specific medical problem they have or is caused by a medication they are taking. In these circumstances, this is known as secondary high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is an important indication of the state of your health and should be monitored regularly, especially if it starts to creep above the 120/80 mark on a regular basis. You should routinely consult a medical professional if it is over 140/90 routinely.

Your blood pressure levels are an important insight into your overall health and because of that, regular blood pressure monitoring is also important, especially if you start to see a trend where it consistently is above 120/80. If you blood pressure is frequently over 140/90, then it's time to visit with your doctor.

The blood pressure readings give you and your health care provider important information about your health situation today, as well as insights into possible future problems you might experience. This is why it's so important to keep an eye on your pressure and be sure to consult with your doctor if it is consistently over 140/90.

* Copyright 2007, Charlie Goldie. You may republish this article in its entirety, provided you leave the byline, author’s note and website hyperlink intact. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Charlie Goldie had been involved in affiliate marketing now for four years and enjoys it very much. Learn all about internet marketing by subscribing to the free web traffic course: http://www.MARKETINGRESOURSE.COM