How to Lower Systolic Pressure Without Lowering Diastolic Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a dangerous condition that often has no symptoms or warning signs. Blood pressure is measured in terms of systolic and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure refers to the amount of pressure exerted on the walls of your blood vessels by the blood being pumped out of your heart; diastolic pressure refers to the pressure of the blood in your arteries when your heart is at rest. Most people who suffer from hypertension have high systolic and diastolic blood pressure; however, in some cases, individuals suffer from abnormally high systolic pressure, while having a normal or low diastolic pressure. This condition is referred to as isolated systolic hypertension. Since low blood pressure is also a health concern, individuals with this condition often need to lower their systolic pressure without lowering their diastolic pressure.

Instructions

• 1

  Exercise if your heart is in good condition. Exercise will strengthen your heart muscle. A stronger heart can expel more blood using less force, thus lowering systolic blood pressure. Talk to your doctor to make sure that your heart is healthy before starting an exercise regimen. The American Heart Association recommends that you engage in 30 consecutive minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity at least five times per week.

• 2

  Take medications that lower systolic pressure while not affecting diastolic pressure. A study published in 2001 in "Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation” found that thiazide diuretics (e.g., Saluron and Trichlorex) and calcium antagonists (e.g., Norvasc and Procardia) are two of the best classes of drugs for lowering systolic pressure without lowering diastolic pressure. Ask your doctor about trying one of these types of medications.

• 3

  Take medications prescribed by your doctor to help strengthen your heart. These medications are often used as an alternative to exercise if your heart is not healthy enough for you to perform cardio activity. Digitalis is an example of a drug that strengthens heart contractions, allowing your heart to exert less force to expel the same amount of blood, thus lowering systolic blood pressure.