systolic blood pressure can be controlled - blood pressure help, medical advice and information
Systolic Blood Pressure
Systolic blood pressure refers to blood pressure reading which is taken when the blood has just been pumped out of your heart. At that point your blood pressure levels reach maximum intensity and start to send the blood out through the arteries. Diastolic blood pressure refers to blood pressure reading which is taken when your heart is at rest. This measurement captures the heart in-between the beats when the blood pressure levels are at the minimum intensity levels.
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The typical blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. These numbers are measures of systolic and diastolic pressures (in that sequence). The blood pressure of and around 120/80 (pronounced as 120 over 80) is considered normal. When the first number reaches 140 and above, it means that your systolic blood pressure is getting out of control. You don't have to have high diastolic pressure to be considered hypertensive. You may have a condition referred to as isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) when your systolic blood pressure is high, while the diastolic one remains low.
Isolated systolic hypertension is the most prevalent form of hypertension among the people of Europe and North America. This is especially true as the people become older. For most people from the Western World the risk of high systolic pressure goes up as they get older. It is quite the opposite with diastolic blood pressure. It has a tendency to grow higher before you reach 55, and then it experiences a steady decline. In any case, over 60% of people age 55 and older are diagnosed with isolated systolic hypertension.
Hypertension is often referred to as silent killer. It does not have symptoms or warnings. It is possible for you to have high systolic pressure and not feel it. The only way to find out if you have hypertension, is to perform a blood pressure test. It takes very little time and effort and can be done during your regular doctor's visit without any advance preparations.
It is vital that you start monitoring your blood pressure and take necessary measures to control it. If left unattended, high blood pressure may lead to kidney and heart failure, blindness, stroke and even death. Research indicates that you can avoid adverse effects and complications if you take timely measures for ISH treatment. It is also a well-known fact that most of us don't have our blood pressure in check.
There is a variety of treatment methods available for ISH. They are typically not different from other methods that are used for hypertension treatment. You can start taking steps to reduce your blood pressure now by taking on lifestyle modifications. It is never too late to start controlling your systolic blood pressure.
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