Systolic blood pressure is the first number heard with a stethoscope or displayed on a digital blood pressure machine when a blood pressure reading is being performed. It is the top number of a blood pressure reading.

Metoprolol tartrate (Lopressor) is a medicine most commonly used to treat high blood pressure. It belongs to a group of medicines called beta-blockers. Metoprolol works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate.

Spirulina is a form of algae that is a rich source of several nutrients, including protein, vitamin E, zinc and iron. In addition, it contains carotenoids, antioxidants that destroys free radicals in the body. Spirulina’s ability to boost nitric oxide levels may provide blood pressure benefits.

A healthy blood pressure below 115/75 will decrease your risk for heart attack, heart failure and stroke. Rosemary is a medicinal herb used by alternative health care providers for a variety of ailments, from viral and bacterial infections to digestive problems and arthritis.

Diabetes is a condition that affects a growing number of individuals. It is a condition characterized by the inability of the body to process blood glucose (sugar), which leads to numerous complications in almost every organ system. Diabetes has effects on blood pressure, pulse and pupil size.

Blood pressure is defined as the force of the blood against the arterial walls and it is reported using two numbers. The systolic pressure is the pressure recorded when the heart is actively pumping blood through the arteries. The diastolic pressure is the measurement taken when the heart is at rest between beats.

Blood pressure levels are one measurement used in conjunction with other signs and symptoms to evaluate a patient. In some situations, such as a motor vehicle accident or if an injury site is close to active machinery, noise levels may be high enough to interfere with measuring blood pressure with a stethoscope.

High blood pressure increases your risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure or lower high blood pressure, and pickled beets are a tasty part of a healthy diet.

Zinc is a metal trace element that is necessary for human health in very small amounts. If you have too much or too little zinc in your body, it can throw various body systems off balance, including your body's ability to maintain normal blood pressure.

Whether you are a competitive athlete or a fitness enthusiast, or you simply prefer sweet alternatives to water, you might enjoy drinking Gatorade beverages. Gatorade, in moderation, offers a healthy option if you use it for your sports nutrition needs.

Your body makes an amino acid called L-carnitine in the liver and kidneys and uses it to turn fat into energy. Normally your body can make all the L-carnitine it needs, but some cardiac or vascular diseases can cause low levels of L-carnitine in the body.

As defined by Medline Plus, blood pressure is "a measurement of the force applied to the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body." The amount of force and volume of blood, as well as the size and flexibility of the arteries determines your blood pressure.