Beurer (BM 58)

Blood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood against the wall of a blood vessel. Blood vessels are arteries and veins. They are tubes that carry blood throughout the body. When the heart beats, it pushes blood through these vessels. Blood pressure is a measure of the force on the walls of an ... Read moreBlood pressure is a measure of the force of the blood against the wall of a blood vessel. Blood vessels are arteries and veins. They are tubes that carry blood throughout the body. When the heart beats, it pushes blood through these vessels. Blood pressure is a measure of the force on the walls of an artery when the heart beats and when it relaxes between beats. Blood pressure is written as 2 numbers, for example, 110/60. The systolic blood pressure (suh-staa-luhk), the top number, is the pressure of the blood against the artery walls when the heart beats. The diastolic blood pressure (dai-uh-staa-luhk), the bottom number, is the pressure of the blood against the artery walls between heartbeats. Blood pressure can change during the day. It is often the lowest in the morning. Things that can affect blood pressure are:  emotions, age, medicines, activity, body size, very hot or cold air temperature, and illness, injury, or pain. A normal BP for one child may not be normal for another. For children under age 18 years, a normal BP is based on their height. The doctor or health care provider will tell you what is normal for your child.