The blood pressure is at its highest levels in the large arteries near the heart and drops off towards the peripheral areas of the circulatory system.

The blood pressure varies with the beating of the heart. When the heart contracts, forcing the blood out, the pressure inside the arteries is said to be systolic. When the heart expands, the pressure of the blood inside the arteries is said to be diastolic.

Hypertension, an abnormally high arterial blood pressure, which is most common among older adults, if left unattended, can cause many health problems including stroke and heart attack. It is wise to control the blood pressure to prevent it from becoming high, by reducing salt intake, and by controlling diet and activities. People who were born with high blood pressure can prevent the progress of heart disease by means of adequate control.

Having your blood pressure measured in a hospital or a clinic may cause you to become nervous, thus artificially raising the blood pressure reading. Also blood pressure varies with a variety of conditions. So an accurate judgment of the heart condition can not be made with a single measurement.

Having the capability to measure blood pressure at home provides a good way to determine your fundamental blood pressure. This is defined as the first blood pressure reading upon waking, before taking any food or drink.

It is possible for you to carry out your own blood pressure control at home. Take blood pressure readings with your own blood pressure device on a regular basis. Record the measurements. If the accumulated results seem to be above normal, it is recommended that a doctor review the record.