Blood pressure is influenced by external and internal variables. Internal variables such as age, gender and heredity cannot be changed. External variables such as exercise, stress reduction and a healthy diet can significantly improve blood pressure. Regular exercise can reduce blood pressure and help manage weight and stress. Unmanaged external factors can cause hypertension which can lead to death. In the average human being, the heart beats sixty to seventy times per minute. Every time the heart beats, it pumps blood. Blood is transported from the heart to all parts of the body through vessels called arteries. The force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is called blood pressure. Blood pressure is higher when the heart beats, pumping blood. This is systolic blood pressure (SBP). When the heart rests, between one beat and another, it is at its minimum. This is your diastolic blood pressure (DBP). SBP is always at the top or first place, while DBP is always at the bottom or second place. Blood pressure changes throughout the day, but is lowest when a person sleeps and rises when he or she wakes up and becomes active. High blood pressure is known as hypertension. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A typical, healthy blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg or less. It reads “120 out of 80”. The measurement is painless and is carried out with a simple test. A blood pressure cuff and stethescope are used to measure blood pressure. The blood pressure cuff, also called a sphygmomanometer, consists of a cuff with an inflatable bladder, a manual rubber bulb with a valve used to inflate and deflate the cuff, and a pressure gauge. First, the cuff is wrapped snugly around your upper arm. The cuff is then rapidly inflated until a pulse is felt in the upper arm... in the center of the card... stimulating the heart. Since the heart is a muscle, training increases its use, making it stronger. A stronger heart pumps blood through the body more easily, helping blood pressure. Physical activity not only helps control blood pressure, but helps manage weight and stress. A sedentary lifestyle is a huge risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart disease. Those who do not engage in regular physical activity have a 30 to 50 percent increased risk of developing hypertension. All these effects lead to an increase in a person's blood pressure. In conclusion, blood pressure, to some extent, is determined by the individual. This is something that people actually have some control over. Choices made in the present can influence the future. Exercise is a simple lifestyle change that can improve everyone's quality of life.