Treating high diastolic pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: Only my diastolic (lower number) is high. What drives the diastolic pressure and what lifestyle changes can be made to lower it?
A: For good information explaining blood pressure, click here. Diastolic pressure is the measurement of blood pressure between heart beats. Life style changes that are recommended include, regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a normal weight, and stopping tobacco use.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, high diastolic pressure, hypertension, Isolated Hypertension, life style changes, lifestyle changes, tobacco useIsolated systolic hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 15 2009
Q: My Systolic and Diastolic readings have been as high as 110 points apart. Example: 178 over 68. This seems very unusual to me and my doctors have nothing to say about what it may mean. Any ideas why this can happen?
A: Ask your doctor if you have isolated systolic high blood pressure. As part of aging, systolic pressure tends to increase and diastolic pressure goes down. A systolic reading of 140 or greater needs to be treated even if the diastolic reading is normal. To learn more about this condition click here.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, Isolated HypertensionIsolated systolic hypertension and aging
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Mar 03 2009
Q: I am 88 years old and in very good health. The only medication I take is the awful one for high blood pressure. My blood pressure reading is in the area of the l60’s for systolic and in the 50’s for diastolic. What do you think?
A: As a normal part of aging, systolic pressure goes up and diastolic pressure goes down. We now know that systolic hypertension, when only the top number is elevated, is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke and should be treated. Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not a concern unless it causes symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.
Tags: heart disease, high blood pressure, hypertension, hypotension, Isolated Hypertension, isolated systolic hypertension, low blood pressure, systolicIsolated systolic hypertension and stroke
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 02 2009
Q: Can a blood pressure reading of 160/80 be high enough to cause a stroke or heart problem in a woman of 82?
A: It has been shown that treating isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly lowers the incidence of heart disease and stroke. When to treat any individual, is a decision that needs to be made in consultation with a physician.
For a full discussion go to http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/21/3/335
Isolated diastolic BP
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 05 2007
Q: I have isolated diastolic BP and am only 36. Should I be concerned?
A: High blood pressure at any age is a concern and should be treated. This being said, the medical literature suggests that treated isolated diastolic high blood pressure is associated with a lower rate of heart attacks than treated combined systolic and diastolic hypertension.
Tags: isolated, isolated diastolic, Isolated HypertensionWhat causes isolated hypertension?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 21 2007
Q: What causes isolated systolic (top number) hypertension?
A: The cause of most hypertension is not known. When a cause is identifiable, it is known as secondary hypertension. Isolated systolic hypertension is the most common type of hypertension in older people. Genetics, life style, and just getting older are factors. Blood vessels, like joints, tend to get stiffer as we age.
Tags: Blood vessels, Genetics, Isolated Hypertension, isolated systolicBalancing systolic and diastolic
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 14 2007
Q: I have Isolated Systolic Hypertension (in the mid 130’s) and the Dr is concerned that lowering it will lower the Diastolic reading (now in the upper 60’s) to unsafe levels. Can RESPeRATE be used to keep things in balance?
A: Yes, clinical studies have shown a significant reduction for the systolic value while the diastolic value was not decreased below normal values. The blood pressure reduction with the use of RESPeRATE is related to how much each value is above normal.
Tags: clinical studies, diastolic, Isolated Hypertension, isolated systolic, RESPeRATELowering your systolic number
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Apr 19 2007
Q: I have high isolated systolic BP and my diastolic is normal. Why is systolic BP more important? Would using RESPeRATE be harmful for this condition? What’s a good way to get your systolic number lower?
A: Both systolic and diastolic high blood pressure readings are important. In recent years, doctors have come to understand that systolic hypertension (high top number with normal lower number) is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The treatment of systolic hypertension is the same as for combined systolic/diastolic hypertension. The RESPeRATE has been shown in clinical studies to lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. It certainly has a place in a treatment plan for hypertension. The treatment plan for an individual is best determined by their physician.
Tags: cardiovascular disease, diastolic, Isolated Hypertension, RESPeRATE, systolic hypertension
