Systolic Blood Pressure Cures

High blood pressure is considered to be a silent disorder, because many people are not even aware they have it. Prolonged years of high blood pressure may lead to heart attacks, kidney failure, heart failure or even stroke. Getting your blood pressure checked throughout the year will help you determine if changes in diet, activity or stress levels need to be done to prevent high blood pressure.

Stages of High Blood Pressure

• For blood pressure readings, the first number is the systolic pressure, while the second number is the diastolic pressure. Systolic indicates the blood pressure during a heart constriction. The second, or diastolic, describes the amount of time the heart is relaxed and expanded.

  According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the stages of blood pressure readings are as follows:

  Blood pressure that is considered normal reads at 120/80 mmHg or below, Pre-hypertension is when the systolic pressure is between 120 and 139, while the diastolic pressure ranges from 80 to 89. Stage I hypertension is when the systolic reading is between 140 and 159, while the diastolic is 90 to 99. Stage II hypertension is systolic readings above 160 and diastolic readings at 100 or higher.

Causes of Systolic High Blood Pressure

• For those who have high blood pressure of 140 or above, their systolic readings are considered to have isolated systolic hypertension, also known as ISH. High systolic readings are mostly found in adults 55 or older, because the blood pressure increases as an individual age and then after 55 it begins to lower again.

  There are no symptoms to ISH, which make it particularly dangerous to those who have it because it is rarely treated. To check blood pressure levels, consult with your doctor to have a blood pressure test administered. Keeping systolic blood pressure levels high will increase chances of heart attack, stroke and heart failure. Once ISH is developed it cannot be cured; however, it may be put under control through a diet change, weight loss or heart medication.

How to Lower Systolic Blood Pressure

• To reduce systolic blood pressure, make lifestyle changes that will help the heart. Limit sodium in the diet to less than 2,000 mg per day, even lower if suggested by a doctor. Reduce stress by exercising or using mind relaxation techniques, and try to incorporate cardio activity for at least 30 minutes, three to five times a week. Drop excess pounds as needed to have a healthy BMI. Check with a doctor to see if anti-hypertensive medications are needed such as alpha or beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors or diuretics, all of which help blood flow remain stable and prevent restrictions in the blood vessels.