Causes of High Systolic Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is measured by two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic is the top number in a blood pressure reading. A continual systolic reading greater than 140 mm/Hg is considered high. When the diastolic pressure is also elevated over 90, a person is said to have high blood pressure.

Isolated Systolic Blood Pressure

• Isolated systolic hypertension is categorized as a systolic reading over 140 and a diastolic number below 90. This condition mainly affects the elderly, and is most commonly noted by an increased pulse pressure. A pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure. Hardening and stiffening of the arteries most often is the precursor to isolated systolic blood pressure (see Resources).

Causes

• Increased body fat, salt intake and lack of exercise are some causes of high systolic blood pressure. Women and African-Americans have a higher incidence of high systolic blood pressure. Smoking, alcohol, low potassium, calcium and magnesium levels also play a role.

Elderly High Systolic

• Elderly patients with a high systolic blood pressure readings tend to have an increased cardiac output. They also have a lower plasma volume. Renin and aldosterone levels may also be low. Salt excretions often decreases in elderly patients, and contribute to an elevated reading. Lower calcium levels in the elderly may increase peripheral resistance and lead to hypertension (see Resources).

Symptoms

• Common symptoms of high systolic blood pressure include headaches, blurred vision, lack of sexual interest and digestive problems (see Resources).

Treatments

• The most effective way to manage and lower systolic blood pressure is by lifestyle changes. Exercise, low-salt and low-fat diets, and reduced stress all have a dramatic and positive impact, as does quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake. Low dose diuretics work well, as do calcium channel blockers.

White Coat Phenomenon

• Sometimes blood pressure will rise and a reading may be higher when a patient is nervous or anxious. A doctor or nurse can determine this by taking several readings at different times and intervals (see Resources).