High Systolic Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a measure of the cycle of the heart. The higher value pressure, taken when the heart contracts, is known as systolic pressure. The lowest value, taken during the relaxation phase i.e., between two contractions, is called the diastolic pressure. Pressure readings are always expressed as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure e.g., 120 /80 mm Hg. Both these measurements are helpful in determining your blood pressure and its treatment.

High pressure or hypertension simply means that the pressure in your arteries is too high. Most cases are mildly high (between 140/90 and 160/100 mmHg). Recent studies and analysis have found that the form of high pressure called isolated systolic hypertension is the dominant form of uncontrolled high pressure in people over age 50, occurring in more than 80 percent of individuals in this age group who have high blood pressure.

Since primary importance was given to the treatment and control of high diastolic pressure, it contributed to poor high systolic pressure control. There is a need to be aware of the importance of untreated or inadequately treated high systolic pressure in middle-aged and older people. This can be through effective drug therapies, both multiple and single drug, alternate therapies or changes in life style

High systolic pressure seems to be a significant indicator for heart complications, including death, in all ages, but especially in middle-aged and older adults. In fact, elevated systolic pressure can pose major risks even in situations where the diastolic is normal. The greater the difference between the systolic and diastolic values, the higher the risks. The following table can be used as a useful bench mark to determine your pressure status.High Normal Pressure Systolic 130 to 139 mm Hg

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Systolic above 140 mm Hg

Mild Hypertension (Stage 1) Systolic 140 to 159 mm Hg

Moderate Hypertension (Stage 2) Systolic 160 to 179 mm Hg

Severe Hypertension (Stage 3) Systolic 180 to 209 mm Hg

Very Severe Hypertension (Stage 4) Systolic greater than 210 mm Hg