Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure make up the numbers that your doctor gives you when you have your blood pressure taken. Many people don’t know what their blood pressure really means, so the reading that their doctor gives them doesn’t mean much or anything. Your systolic and diastolic blood pressure are measuring different things, and to really understand your blood pressure you need to understand both readings.

Your Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure

When the blood pressure is taken two measurements are actually taken. There is the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart actually beats. When the heart beats the pressure is at its highest. Then, there is the diastolic blood pressure measurement, which is the measurement of the blood between heartbeats, when the pressure is at its lowest. Blood pressure measurements are taken in millimeters of mercury, which is often abbreviated as mm HG.

A healthy blood pressure would be considered 120/80 or anything around this range. When your blood pressure goes above 140/90 you have high blood pressure and your doctor may elect to treat you for high blood pressure, also called hypertension. Of course, we all have high blood pressure when we are exercising, nervous, or excited, but if you have sustained high blood pressure measurements, it can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Blood pressure measurements should be taken at least once every two years, and if you have had high blood pressure you’ll need to take it more often, in fact your doctor may recommend daily blood pressure measurements. You can buy your own blood pressure sphygmomanometer for about $50 or less and many of them are very easy to use. This will allow you to keep an eye on your blood pressure, so if you see it creeping a bit higher you can act by changing your diet, exercising, or visiting your doctor to get some medications prescribed to help you lower your blood pressure.

You need to keep an eye on both your systolic and diastolic blood pressure. When you are younger it is the systolic blood pressure that is more important but as you age the diastolic blood pressure becomes more of an indicator of good health. Be sure to have your blood pressure taken regularly so you can see any increases and act accordingly.