Systolic and diastolic pressure are the two values that make up a blood pressure (BP) measurement.
The highest reading, or systolic blood pressure, describes how much pressure is placed on the arteries when the heart is pounding.
The lowest reading, or diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats while the heart is at rest.
For instance, a blood pressure result that is deemed normal for the majority of healthy persons is often lower than 120/80, which is recorded as “120 over 80.” 120 is the systolic and 80 is the diastolic pressure. Normal blood pressure may be somewhat lower in children and teenagers. Additionally, normal blood pressure ranges for older persons may be greater or lower.
Both statistics provide crucial details about your health. High systolic blood pressure, however, could be given greater weight by your doctor when assessing your risk of heart disease.
The distinctions between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, the significance of each number, and the implications of your blood pressure measurements are all covered in this article.
Why Blood Pressure Is Important
Blood circulates throughout the body while the heart beats by pulsing via the arteries. It does not, however, flow continuously as a garden hose would.
The pressure and pulse of the blood flow fluctuate moment to moment. Systolic pressure is at its maximum during a heartbeat, while diastolic pressure is at its lowest between beats.
These figures are used by providers to calculate blood pressure since they are a common method to express the power of the heartbeat.
It’s crucial to know both your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The measurements might indicate elevated blood pressure if they are very high. Your brain and other organs could not get enough blood if the levels are too low.
Additionally, increases in the differential between the two figures are a sign that a cardiac ailment or other health issue may be present.
Blood Pressure Systolic
The heart pumps blood into the arteries each time it beats. The pressure that builds up in the arteries while the heart beats is measured as systolic pressure. Systole, the name for this stage, is when blood pressure is greatest.
When the measurement of the systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) when a person is sitting still and at rest, the blood pressure is regard as normal.
Systolic pressure less than 90 mmHg is regard as low and may call for your healthcare provider’s involvement and control. It is dangerously high if you consistently have systolic pressure readings above 180 mmHg, and your healthcare practitioner should take action.
Systolic Blood Pressure that is High
When a person is exercising, under stress, or whenever their heart rate increases, their heart muscle pumps out blood with a greater pressure. Along with it, the systolic pressure increases.
The increased pressure under these circumstances is typical. High blood pressure, on the other hand, is when the reading is elevated when the subject is at rest.
In order to effectively detect high blood pressure (hypertension), it’s crucial to test your blood pressure during peaceful rest intervals since your blood pressure might increase while you’re active.
The most common reason of high systolic blood pressure is hardening of the arteries, which makes the heart work harder to pump blood through them.
There are many phases in the high systolic pressure range:5
Stage 1 hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 130 to 139, which may be treat with short-term medications and dietary modifications.
Stage 2 hypertension is define as having a systolic blood pressure of 140 or above, which significantly raises the risk of a heart attack or stroke and may need long-term drug use.
If your systolic blood pressure is 180 or above, you are experiencing a hypertensive emergency and need to contact your doctor immediately once.
Your doctor will work with you to choose the most effective course of action for managing your high systolic blood pressure.
Systolic Blood Pressure is Low
Additionally, systolic pressure might be too low. Hypotension is the term for the reading when it is lower than 90 mmHg. This could make you feel dizzy, woozy, or lighthead. If low blood pressure is not address, it might lead to the kidneys and other organs starting to shut down.
Systolic hypotension may happen if your blood volume drops too low. For instance, having extensive bleeding or being excessively dehydrate might both result in low blood pressure. Simply put, there isn’t enough blood to go through the body under these circumstances.
Low blood pressure may also occur if the heart muscle is too frail to pump blood regularly, such as when the heart muscle is injur (cardiomyopathy) or if the arteries abruptly expand excessively (as in the reflex that produces fainting, vasovagal syncope).
Occasionally, abrupt posture changes might cause low blood pressure. When you stand up, you could feel lightheaded as gravity pushes blood toward your feet. Orthostatic hypotension is the medical term for this disorder.
Blood Pressure Diastolic
In order to replenish with blood, the heart takes a break in between beats. Diastole refers to the pause in a beat. The reading taken during this interval before the subsequent pulse is your diastolic blood pressure.
At calm repose, the normal diastolic blood pressure is under 80 mmHg.3 When you are resting quietly, your diastolic blood pressure is often greater if you have high blood pressure. When the diastolic blood pressure is 60 mmHg or less, it is regard as dangerously low, and when it is 110 mmHg or more, it is seen as dangerously high. Call your healthcare physician if you see these figures in numerous readings.
Dehydration or significant bleeding may cause low diastolic pressure.7 It could also occur if the arteries loosen up and enlarge.
High diastolic blood pressure progresses through many phases, including:5
Stage 1 hypertension is define as a diastolic blood pressure of 80 to 89, which may be treat with short-term medications and/or dietary modifications.
Stage 2 hypertension, which may significantly raise the risk of stroke or heart attack and may need a lengthy treatment regimen, is define as diastolic blood pressure of 90 or greater.
If your diastolic blood pressure is 120 or greater, you are in hypertensive crisis and need to contact your doctor immediately.
Your doctor will work with you to choose the most effective course of action for managing your high systolic blood pressure.
Making Blood Pressure Better Reading Precision
Your exercise level, stress level, hydration intake, and other variables affect your systolic and diastolic pressures.
When obtaining a blood pressure measurement, it’s critical to reduce the impact that these additional variables may have on your result.
When testing your blood pressure, adhere to these instructions for the most accurate reading:
Spend at least five minutes in silence.
Sit in a cozy, tranquil setting.
The cuff should be about at the level of your heart when you relax with your arms at your sides.
Legs should not be cross.
Your bladder ought to be free.
This method of measuring blood pressure is difficult in a crowded doctor’s office. Your doctor could advise you to check your blood pressure at home.
When should I take my BP throughout the day?
Before determining if a patient has high blood pressure, many doctors advise taking repeated blood pressure readings at home.
Additionally, your blood pressure will fluctuate during the course of the day. It usually peaks in the morning and troughs around night.
Your doctor may advise that you take your blood pressure many times each day, often once in the morning and once in the afternoon or evening. Avoid taking it immediately after supper or when you first wake up in the morning.
As an alternative, try to read in the morning before breakfast (particularly if you drink coffee or take medicine) and in the evening before bed (again, if you take any meds).
It’s crucial to stick to your blood pressure check schedule after you’ve established it. If you take your blood pressure at around the same time each day, you’ll receive the most reliable numbers and comparisons.
Summary
Your blood pressure is a measurement of the systolic and diastolic pressure in your arteries while your heart beats. These two numbers are crucial for identifying and treating high blood pressure.
Understanding systolic and diastolic blood pressure is crucial for managing a variety of illnesses, such as heart disease or significant blood loss. It’s crucial to take your blood pressure in a serene, peaceful environment.