Have you had your blood pressure taken recently? One should get their blood pressure taken every so often just to make sure one does not have to go get a checkup. Many people have high blood pressure due to years of smoking, stress, drinking, lack of exercise, or even after giving a speech. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against artery walls as it courses through the body. Blood pressure can be read by two numbers, have certain symptoms, but there are things to do to avoid the risk or after being affected.