What is isolated systolic high blood pressure?
Isolated systolic high blood pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading. This top number measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and blood is pumped into the arteries.
The Mayo Clinic defines a systolic number more than 140 mmHG and a diastolic number less than 90 mmHG as high blood pressure, also known as isolated systolic hypertension. However, you don’t have to have an elevated lower number to have high blood pressure.
Isolated systolic hypertension is the most common type of high blood pressure in elderly people and is caused by hardening of the arteries. Stiffening of arteries is the cause of the increased pulse pressure. Pulse pressure is the difference between the diastolic and systolic pressures.
How common is isolated systolic high blood pressure?
The National Lung and Blood Institute estimate that 65% of those with hypertension are over 60 years of age and have isolated systolic high blood pressure. However, most people don’t even know they have isolated systolic high blood pressure, just like high blood pressure.
It’s estimated by the National Institute of Aging that there are 23 million Americans with isolated systolic high blood pressure, and this number is expected to explode to 70 million by 2030.
The risk for isolated systolic high blood pressure increases with age. The top number on a blood pressure reading becomes more important as we age.
How serious is isolated systolic high blood pressure?
The warning signals of isolated systolic high blood pressure are just like high blood warning signals. That is, there are none. That’s part of what makes it so dangerous. Only a high blood pressure reading can let determine if you have isolated systolic high blood pressure.
What’s an ideal isolated systolic high blood pressure number?
The National Institute of Aging recommends the optimal isolated systolic high blood pressure number of 120 mm Hg.
Can isolated systolic high blood pressure be lowered?
Despite positive outcomes of addressing isolated systolic high blood pressure, most people choose not to address it. Addressing isolated systolic high blood pressure can improve quality of life, reduce illnesses, and save lives.
Isolated systolic high blood pressure is treated the same way high blood pressure is treated. Prescription medications are available, but you should be aware of the potential side effects. There are dietary supplements that are available and guarantee safe effectiveness to lower high blood pressure naturally.
To successfully lower your isolated systolic high blood pressure number, it’s recommended to eat a diet of fruits, low-fat dairy foods, and vegetables; reduce cholesterol, salt, and saturated fats; take dietary supplementation that includes potassium; lose weight; stop smoking and drinking; and increase your physical activity level.
All of these recommendations are obtainable and will help produce your health that you need . . . and deserve.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypertension/AN01113
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/hbp/whathbp.htm
http://www.nia.nih.gov/NewsAndEvents/PressReleases/PR20010501Identification.htm
