WHY SYSTOLIC PRESSURE IS HIGH
Systolic Pressure: The Top Number in Your Blood Pressure Reading
When you get your blood pressure taken, you’re given two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure is the top number, and it measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure is the bottom number, and it measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Why Is Systolic Pressure Important?
Systolic blood pressure is an important indicator of your overall cardiovascular health. Because systolic pressure reflects the pressure exerted when the heart contracts, it can provide insight into the health of the heart muscle and the elasticity of the arteries.
What Causes High Systolic Pressure?
High systolic blood pressure, also known as isolated systolic hypertension, is a condition in which the systolic blood pressure is elevated while the diastolic blood pressure is normal. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Age: As we age, our arteries become less elastic, which can lead to high systolic blood pressure.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts a strain on your heart and blood vessels, which can lead to high blood pressure.
- Physical inactivity: People who are inactive are more likely to have high blood pressure than those who are active.
- Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels and can lead to high blood pressure.
- Alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.
- Family history: If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
- Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as kidney disease and diabetes, can also lead to high blood pressure.
What Are the Symptoms of High Systolic Pressure?
High systolic blood pressure often has no symptoms. However, in some cases, it can cause:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
How Is High Systolic Pressure Treated?
The goal of treatment for high systolic blood pressure is to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other complications. Treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and losing weight can all help to lower blood pressure.
- Medication: If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower blood pressure, medication may be necessary. There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat high blood pressure.
Conclusion
High systolic blood pressure is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other complications. If you have high systolic blood pressure, it is important to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
FAQs
- Q: What is the normal range for systolic blood pressure?
- Q: What are the risk factors for high systolic blood pressure?
- Q: What are the symptoms of high systolic blood pressure?
- Q: How is high systolic blood pressure treated?
- Q: What are the complications of high systolic blood pressure?
A: The normal range for systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg.
A: Risk factors for high systolic blood pressure include age, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption, family history, and certain medical conditions.
A: High systolic blood pressure often has no symptoms, but in some cases, it can cause headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
A: Treatment for high systolic blood pressure may include lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and losing weight, as well as medication.
A: High systolic blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications.
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