what does the lower number on bp mean
A: We get asked about blood pressure numbers more often than Sarah Jessica Parker gets asked if she's wearing Manolos. (Our wives told us about that.). What's too high for the top number (systolic) is simple: Anything above 160 is an emergency â head for the ER immediately. What's too low for the bottom number (diastolic) varies. It measures the pressure in the arteries when your heart muscle relaxes between pumps, so you want it to be low. The normal range is 60 to 80, but lower is better. Generally speaking, if your dad can stand up easily and talk to you, it's not too low.