Blood pressure measurements assess the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. This is typically expressed in two numbers: systolic pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats. The measurements are recorded in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), such as 120/80 mmHg. To measure blood pressure, a healthcare professional often uses a sphygmomanometer and a stethoscope. The cuff of the sphygmomanometer is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated to temporarily stop blood flow. As the cuff deflates, the healthcare provider listens for specific sounds to determine the systolic and diastolic pressures. Regular monitoring can help identify potential health issues.