Blood Pressure is an important aspect of our overall health that is often overlooked, yet it has a significant impact on our well-being. When we visit the doctor’s office we are asked to roll up our sleeves and get our Blood Pressure checked. Have you ever wondered what those two numbers mean and why they are so important?
In this article we will take a closer look at Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure, explain what they are and why they matter.
Table of Contents
What’s Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure?
What is Systolic Blood Pressure?
Systolic Blood Pressure is the top number in a Blood Pressure reading and measures the Pressure in the Arteries when the Heart beats and pumps Blood out into the body. A normal Systolic Blood Pressure reading is less than 120 mm Hg.
As people age, their Blood vessels become stiffer, which can cause Systolic Blood Pressure to rise. According to a Harvard Health Publishing article, after the age of 50, Systolic Blood Pressure tends to increase while Diastolic Blood Pressure tends to decrease. This is why Systolic Blood Pressure is considered a more important predictor of cardiovascular disease risk in older adults.
Exercise can temporarily increase Systolic Blood Pressure, but regular exercise can help lower it over time. Regular physical activity can help lower Systolic Blood Pressure by an average of 4-9 mm Hg.
Stress can also affect Systolic Blood Pressure. Stress can cause a temporary increase in Systolic Blood Pressure, but chronic stress can contribute to hypertension.
Certain medications can affect Systolic Blood Pressure. For example, Blood Pressure medications can help lower Systolic Blood Pressure, while decongestants and other stimulants can raise it. According to the American heart Association it is important to work with a healthcare provider to manage medications and monitor Blood Pressure.
To measure Systolic Blood Pressure a healthcare provider typically uses a Blood Pressure cuff and a stethoscope. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and the healthcare provider inflates it until it restricts Blood flow. They then slowly release the Pressure while listening for the sound of Blood flow in the artery with the stethoscope. The first sound heard indicates the Systolic Blood Pressure.
Home Blood Pressure monitors are also available for people to measure their Blood Pressure at home. These monitors can be manual or digital and they typically come with instructions for use.
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What is Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Diastolic Blood Pressure is the bottom number in a Blood Pressure reading and measures the Pressure in the arteries when the Heart is at rest between beats. A normal Diastolic Blood Pressure reading is less than 80 mm Hg.
High Diastolic Blood Pressure also known as Diastolic hypertension. It can be a sign of underlying health issues such as Heart disease or kidney disease. According to a Harvard Health Publishing article, Diastolic Blood Pressure tends to decrease as people age, but if it stays consistently high, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Like Systolic Blood Pressure, regular exercise can help lower Diastolic Blood Pressure. According to the American Heart Association regular physical activity can help lower Diastolic Blood Pressure by an average of 2-7 mm Hg.
Stress can also affect Diastolic Blood Pressure.Chronic stress can contribute to hypertension, which can cause the Diastolic Blood Pressure to increase.
Certain medications can affect Diastolic Blood Pressure. For example, Blood Pressure medications can help lower Diastolic Blood Pressure, while some medications used to treat depression and anxiety can increase it.
To measure Diastolic Blood Pressure, a healthcare provider typically uses a Blood Pressure cuff and a stethoscope. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and the healthcare provider inflates it until it restricts Blood flow. They then slowly release the Pressure while listening for the sound of Blood flow in the artery with the stethoscope. The point at which the sound disappears indicates the Diastolic Blood Pressure.
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What Do High and Low Blood Pressure Mean?
High Blood Pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of Blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. A Blood Pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is considered high.
High Blood Pressure can lead to serious health problems such as Heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. High Blood Pressure typically has no symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer.”
Risk factors for high Blood Pressure include age, family history, obesity, smoking, stress and a diet high in salt and saturated fat.
Low Blood Pressure, also known as hypotension, occurs when the force of Blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too low. A Blood Pressure reading of less than 90/60 mm Hg is considered low.
Low Blood Pressure can be caused by a variety of factors including dehydration, Blood loss, Heart problems and certain medications. Symptoms of low Blood Pressure can include dizziness, fainting and fatigue.
Difference between Systolic and Diastolic Pressure
| Factors | Systolic Blood Pressure | Diastolic Blood Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Top number in Blood Pressure reading; measures Pressure in arteries when Heart beats | Bottom number in Blood Pressure reading; measures Pressure in arteries when Heart is at rest between beats |
| Measurement | Taken when Heart contracts and pumps Blood through arteries | Taken when Heart is at rest and Blood is flowing back to the Heart |
| Normal Range | Less than 120 mm Hg | Less than 80 mm Hg |
| Health Risks | High Systolic Blood Pressure can increase risk of Heart disease, stroke and kidney disease | High Diastolic Blood Pressure can increase risk of Heart disease and stroke |
| Causes | Age, family history, obesity, stress and lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise | Age, family history, obesity, stress and lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise |
| Treatment | Lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy diet and stress management; medications may be prescribed to lower high Blood Pressure | Lifestyle changes such as exercise, healthy diet and stress management; medications may be prescribed to lower high Blood Pressure, or to raise low Blood Pressure |
| Monitoring | Blood Pressure should be checked regularly; at least once a year for adults with healthy Blood Pressure, more frequently for those with high Blood Pressure or other risk factors | Blood Pressure should be checked regularly; at least once a year for adults with healthy Blood Pressure, more frequently for those with high Blood Pressure or other risk factors |
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Curious Questions On Systolic and Diastolic Pressure
What exactly does blood pressure measure?
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps it around the body.
Why are there two numbers in a blood pressure reading?
The top number (systolic) measures pressure when the heart beats, and the bottom number (diastolic) measures pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
Can you feel if your blood pressure is high or low?
Usually, high blood pressure has no symptoms, which is why it’s called the “silent killer.” Low blood pressure might cause dizziness or fainting.
What causes blood pressure to change throughout the day?
Activities, stress, diet, overall health, and even posture can cause blood pressure to fluctuate.
Is high blood pressure more dangerous than low blood pressure?
Both can be harmful. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke, while severe low blood pressure can deprive the body of enough oxygen to carry out its functions.
How does exercise affect blood pressure?
Regular exercise can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by improving heart health.
Can children have high blood pressure?
Yes, children can have high blood pressure, often due to lifestyle factors or underlying health conditions.
Why does blood pressure generally increase with age?
As people age, their blood vessels can become stiffer, causing an increase in systolic blood pressure.
What’s the link between stress and blood pressure?
Stress can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, and chronic stress can contribute to long-term hypertension.
Why is a cuff used to measure blood pressure?
The cuff compresses the artery, and the healthcare provider listens to the blood flow, noting the pressures at which the blood flow starts and stops.
Can you lower blood pressure without medication?
Yes, through lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and stress management, blood pressure can often be lowered without medication.
What foods are good for managing blood pressure?
Foods low in salt and saturated fats, and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are beneficial for blood pressure.
How does dehydration affect blood pressure?
Dehydration can lead to low blood pressure as there is less fluid in the blood, reducing pressure against artery walls.
Can blood pressure indicate other health problems?
Yes, both high and low blood pressure can be indicators of other health issues like heart, kidney, or hormonal problems.
What role does family history play in blood pressure?
Genetics can influence blood pressure, with a family history of high blood pressure increasing the risk of developing it yourself.
Why does systolic blood pressure get more attention in older adults?
In older adults, systolic pressure is a better predictor of cardiovascular risks due to the increased stiffness of arteries.
Can blood pressure return to normal on its own?
Sometimes, especially if it’s related to temporary factors like stress or dehydration. However, consistent high or low blood pressure usually requires intervention.
Frequently asked questions on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
What is the normal range for Systolic Blood Pressure?
Answer- Yes, the normal range for Systolic Blood Pressure is typically considered to be between 90 and 120 mmHg (millimetres of mercury) for adults. However, it is important to note that Blood Pressure can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, weight and overall health.
What is the significance of Systolic Blood Pressure in older adults?
Answer- Systolic Blood Pressure is considered a more important predictor of cardiovascular disease risk in older adults because, as people age, their Blood vessels become stiffer, which can cause Systolic Blood Pressure to rise.
How can regular exercise impact Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Answer- Regular exercise can help lower both Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure over time. According to the American Heart Association, regular physical activity can help lower Systolic Blood Pressure by an average of 4-9 mm Hg and Diastolic Blood Pressure by an average of 2-7 mm Hg.
What is the significance of high Blood Pressure?
Answer- High Blood Pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. It typically has no symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer.”
What is the normal range for Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Answer- The normal range for Diastolic Blood Pressure is typically between 60 and 80 mm Hg (millimetres of mercury) for adults. However, it’s important to note that “normal” can vary based on factors such as age, sex and overall health status.
What factors can affect Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Answer- Diastolic Blood Pressure can be affected by stress, medication and age. It tends to decrease as people age, but if it stays consistently high, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
What is the difference between Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Answer- Systolic Blood Pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps Blood out into the body, while Diastolic Blood Pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.
What is the significance of low Blood Pressure?
Answer- Low Blood Pressure, also known as hypotension, can be caused by a variety of factors like dehydration, Blood loss, heart problems and certain medications. Symptoms of low Blood Pressure can include dizziness, fainting and fatigue.
How is Blood Pressure measured?
Answer- Blood Pressure is typically measured using a Blood Pressure cuff and a stethoscope. The cuff is wrapped around the upper arm and the healthcare provider inflates it until it restricts Blood flow. They then slowly release the pressure while listening for the sound of Blood flow in the artery with the stethoscope. The first sound heard indicates the Systolic Blood Pressure, while the point at which the sound disappears indicates the Diastolic Blood Pressure.
What are some risk factors for high Blood Pressure?
Answer- Risk factors for high Blood Pressure include age, family history, obesity, smoking, stress and a diet high in salt and saturated fat.
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