Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is expressed as two numbers: systolic blood pressure (the top number) and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number).
For women, the ideal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.