Glossary

Hypotension is the medical name for low blood pressure.

Blood pressure is measured as two numbers ie 120/80. The first number is systolic BP – the pressure when your heart beats. The second number is diastolic BP, which is the pressure when you heart rests between beats.

Target range for BP is usually 120/80.

See: hypertension (high blood pressure).

virology – the study of viruses.

mortality – medical word for death or dying.

decimal fraction – a fraction turned into a number by dividing the top part by the bottom part. For example, the decimal fraction for 3/5 is 0.6.

tachycardia refers to when the heart beats too fast.

bradycardia is when the heart beats too slowly.

See: arrhythmia