The Effects of a Higher Systolic Vs. Diastolic Blood Pressure

Receiving a high blood pressure reading should be used as a warning sign. Leading to many potential negative conditions, it is important to take the time to understand the effects of high blood pressure---especially since the condition affects over 30 percent of adults in the United States.

Systolic vs. Diastolic

Systolic pressure is a measurement of the pressure with which the blood hits the wall of the artery during moments of contraction of the heart. This is the higher number.

Diastolic pressure is a measurement of the pressure with which the blood hits the wall of the artery during moments in-between contractions of the heart. This is the lower number.

Age

The importance of each number is dependent upon age. Younger people naturally have lower systolic pressures---making diastolic readings more important. Aging causes the inverse relationship and makes systolic pressure a more accurate reading of blood pressure the older you are.

Differences

For adults, a high systolic pressure, while maintaining a normal diastolic pressure is generally considered worse than both having high readings. This is also known as isolated systolic hypertension.

High Results

Readings of systolic pressure over 140 and diastolic pressures over 85 are considered to be high blood pressure readings.

Dangers

Heart-attacks, strokes and numerous other serious conditions can be caused by the onset of hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension; therefore, it is essential to diagnose and treat conditions early.

References

• Journal of Human Hypertension
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Hypertension