Your blood pressure is highest when the heart contracts and is pumping the blood. This is called systolic pressure. When the heart is at rest, in between beats, your blood pressure falls. This is the diastolic pressure. The top number represents the systolic pressure and the bottom number represents the diastolic pressure.
Blood pressure changes throughout the day.
Sleep lowers blood pressure, while nervousness, stress, anxiety, activity, and excitement raises it. High blood pressure makes the heart work harder and is therefore a major factor in a number of serious, often fatal maladies. Testing is Key The risks of high blood pressure are grave. However, a simple test can help to mitigate these risks significantly. The first step toward diffusing the time bomb is knowing that it exists.