Isolated systolic high blood pressure, also known as isolated systolic hypertension, is a medical condition that affects many people in the United States and the world; this is a condition of the body in which the systolic blood pressure becomes elevated whereas the diastolic blood pressure in a person remains at a normal level.

While this condition sounds like a rarity, it is not. As a matter of fact, isolated systolic high blood pressure is known to occur in a great majority of the people in the United States over the age of 60 years old. Many or most of the cases of high blood pressure in this age group fall in this category of illness, in which the systolic blood pressure must remain in check while there are no problems with the diastolic blood pressure.

Blood pressure is a medical measurement. In essence, it is the force that the blood in the body exerts upon the walls of the veins and arteries in the body. A high or low blood pressure reading can tell a lot about the state of a person’s body, and how healthy they are relative to the health of other people in their race, age group, gender, or any other category.

For those out there who don’t know which is which, it is easy to tell your systolic blood pressure from your diastolic blood pressure. A person’s blood pressure reading reads as a fraction, ‘x over x’; the top number is the systolic blood pressure and the bottom number in the blood pressure reading is the diastolic blood pressure reading. Generally, a blood pressure of 140/90 or above can be read as a high blood pressure; after this level has been reached it is important to make sure to lead a healthier, more proactive lifestyle when it comes to eating habits and exercise habits.

There are a variety of factors that may lead to an increased systolic blood pressure level in a person. It is a great problem in the United States, even more so than in other areas of the United States as it has a great deal to do with lifestyle. Those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle, meaning that they eat a lot of fatty food and do not do much as far as activity goes are more prone to having high blood pressure period, including isolated high systolic blood pressure.

Those with an isolated high systolic blood pressure should definitely seek and pursue appropriate medical treatment, as this is an indicator of danger down the road. Heart problems and other problems with the cardiovascular system can result from isolated high systolic blood pressure, or high blood pressure in general and for that reason it is not something that can or should be ignored, for any length of time.

It is important for everyone to have their blood pressure taken as often as possible, at least twice a year. Those with high blood pressure should consult a doctor and stay on top of their health. Isolated systolic high blood pressure can lead to a variety of problems with the cardiovascular system, so it is always best to stay protected and informed.

Sources:

http://mens-health.health-cares.net/isolated-systolic-hypertension.php

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1124431