High Systolic Blood Pressure

There are two numbers given to a person when a blood pressure reading is taken. The bottom number is the diastolic number and the top number is the systolic number. The systolic number is the measure of the pressure of blood being pushed out from the heart.

Significance

• It is especially important for a person 50 and older to keep track of the systolic reading. This can give advanced warning to many possible health issues.

Identification

• Only the top number needs to be high in order to have high blood pressure. This condition is called isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). It is considered high when the reading is 140 and over.

Statistics

• ISH is the most common of high blood pressure conditions suffered by Americans. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, "About two-thirds of people over the age 65 have high blood pressure."

Warning

• Uncontrolled isolated systolic hypertension can cause stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure and kidney damage.

Causes

• High systolic blood pressure can be caused by narrowing arteries, more than normal amounts of blood production, heart beating faster and harder than normal or another medical condition.

Solutions

• There is no cure for ISH, but it can be controlled through treatments that include medications and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes include healthy eating, reducing sodium intake, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting alcohol and quitting smoking.