The second (bottom) number is when your heart relaxes (diastolic pressure).ĭuring a blood pressure test, a blood pressure cuff is wrapped around your arm so a blood pressure monitor can measure your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The first (top) number is the pressure when your heart beats (systolic pressure). At the end, the machine will give a blood pressure reading.īlood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (which is written as mmHg).Ī blood pressure reading contains two numbers and will be written as a figure like 120/75 (this is said as '120 over 75'.) When the machine is switched on the cuff tightens and then slowly loosens again. This cuff is attached to a machine which measures the pressure inside your arteries.
Blood pressure is measured using a machine called a blood pressure monitor.Ī cuff (thick band) is put over your arm.
