What Is Systolic?

Systolic is the name given to the top number of your blood pressure reading, which measures the amount of pressure in your arteries as your heart beats. Systolic blood pressure is commonly used as a major predictor of heart disease in people older than 50.

• Blood pressure readings

Facts

• As you get older, your systolic blood pressure slowly raises due to the aging process. Large arteries naturally stiffen and plaque slowly builds up in your arteries.

Normal Systolic Numbers

• According to the American Heart Association (AHA), having a systolic number less than 120 is considered "normal" blood pressure.

Hypertension

• Hypertension or high blood pressure is defined by the AHA as having a systolic number above 140. Advanced hypertension is often characterized by dizziness, increased nosebleeds and headaches.

Causes of High Systolic Numbers

• Hypertension may be caused by lifestyle, heredity or certain medications (such as birth-control pills and decongestants). Other causes include medical conditions such as heart defects or kidney problems.

Hypotension

• According to the Mayo Clinic, some experts consider having a systolic number of 90 or lower as being "low." Other doctors only diagnose hypotension (low blood pressure) in the presence of symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.

Causes of Low Systolic Numbers

• Hypotension can be caused by medical conditions such as pregnancy, heart conditions or dehydration. Medications like alpha blockers, Parkinson's medications and diuretics may also cause a low systolic number.