Which number is more important in blood pressure?

Q. When I am monitoring my blood pressure, which number is most important — top, bottom, or both? A. While both numbers in a blood pressure reading are essential for diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, doctors primarily focus on the top number, also known as systolic pressure.


When should you worry about the bottom number of blood pressure?

Over time, isolated diastolic hypotension can cause heart failure. In fact, it may be one of the most common causes of heart failure. Pay attention to your diastolic number when you have your blood pressure checked. If your lower number is 60 or below, ask a healthcare professional about it.

Which blood pressure is most concerning?

A blood pressure measurement over 180/120 mm Hg is called a hypertensive emergency or crisis. Seek emergency medical help for anyone with these blood pressure numbers.


What time of the day is blood pressure highest?

Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.

What is stroke level blood pressure?

Call 911 or emergency medical services if your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or greater and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke. Stroke symptoms include numbness or tingling, trouble speaking, or changes in vision.


Which Number is More Important in Blood Pressure? 💥🤷‍♂️



Which is worse systolic or diastolic?

Most studies show a greater risk of cardiovascular disease (especially strokes) related to high systolic pressure as opposed to elevated diastolic pressure.

Which number is worse for high blood pressure?

If you have a blood pressure reading that is above 180 in the top number or above 120 in the bottom number, you may be having a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency. Blood pressure this high can damage your blood vessels and could lead to a stroke.

Which is most important systolic or diastolic?

Recent findings: Generally, in studies in which readings of systolic and diastolic blood pressure have been compared, systolic blood pressure has been a better predictor of risk.


How do you fix the bottom number of your blood pressure?

Diastolic blood pressure that's too low can lead to heart damage and may increase your risk for heart disease.
...
Tips to lower blood pressure
  1. Focus on heart-healthy foods. ...
  2. Limit saturated and trans fats. ...
  3. Reduce sodium in your diet. ...
  4. Eat more potassium. ...
  5. Lay off the caffeine. ...
  6. Cut back on alcohol.


Why does bottom number of BP go up?

Diastolic pressure is the bottom number of a blood pressure reading. IDH occurs if someone has elevated diastolic blood pressure, increasing a person's risk of heart disease and stroke. Smoking, consuming alcohol, obesity, and high blood fat may lead to IDH.

What causes Bottom BP number to go up?

Lifestyle: Smoking, heavy use of alcohol increase the risk of diastolic hypertension. Diets low in potassium and high in salt can increase diastolic blood pressure. A sedentary lifestyle can make you overweight, leading to high blood pressure. Stress, both mental and physical, can temporarily raise blood pressure.


Should I worry if my diastolic is high?

The diastolic pressure of an adult should typically be 60–80mm Hg, and if the number goes above this, it's considered hypertension. However, if your blood pressure goes over 180/120mm Hg, this is dangerous, and you should seek medical attention immediately.

Why is my systolic high but diastolic good?

Isolated systolic hypertension is when your systolic blood pressure is high, but your diastolic blood pressure is normal. It can occur naturally with age or can be caused by specific health conditions, including anemia, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism.

What does it mean if systolic is high?

Having a high systolic blood pressure over time can increase the risk of strokes, heart disease and chronic kidney disease. The recommended goal for systolic pressure for adults younger than age 65 who have a 10% or higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease is less than 130 mm Hg.


What BP number should you go to hospital?

Seek emergency care if your blood pressure reading is 180/120 or higher AND you have any of the following symptoms, which may be signs of organ damage: Chest pain. Shortness of breath. Numbness or weakness.

What should I do if my BP is 140 90?

Lifestyle changes to reduce blood pressure
  1. reduce the amount of salt you eat and have a generally healthy diet.
  2. cut back on alcohol.
  3. lose weight if you're overweight.
  4. exercise regularly.
  5. cut down on caffeine.
  6. stop smoking.


What's the highest Your blood pressure should be before you go to the hospital?

“The American Heart Association states that a reading of 180/110 or greater requires immediate medical attention. If you take this reading two times in a row, five minutes apart, then you must head to the nearest ER,” says Dr.


What raises systolic blood pressure?

High systolic blood pressure can have many causes. As we age, our arteries stiffen, and over time this contributes to high blood pressure. The genes we inherit also can cause high blood pressure. Certain underlying conditions like thyroid disease, cortisol excess, and obesity can also cause high blood pressure.

What affects diastolic blood pressure?

The factors discussed are heart rate, arterial pressure, coronary perfusion pressure, the pericardium, and the mechanical interplay between ventricles. The influence of heart rate, arterial pressure, and coronary perfusion pressure can be considered as minor provided they remain within their normal physiological range.

What is normal blood pressure for a 70 year old?

New Blood Pressure Standards for Seniors

The ideal blood pressure for seniors is now considered 120/80 (systolic/diastolic), which is the same for younger adults. The high blood pressure range for seniors starts at hypertension stage 1, spanning between 130-139/80-89.


Does caffeine raise blood pressure?

Caffeine may cause a short, but dramatic increase in your blood pressure, even if you don't have high blood pressure. It's unclear what causes this spike in blood pressure. The blood pressure response to caffeine differs from person to person.

What are the 5 warning signs of a stroke?

Call 9-1-1 immediately if any of these signs of stroke appear: Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg; Confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; Trouble seeing in one or both eyes; Trouble walking, dizziness, or problems with balance; severe headache with no known cause.

What are the 4 silent signs of a stroke?

Unlike events such as a heart attack where there could be obvious signs of discomfort or pain, a silent stroke may include the following symptoms:
  • Sudden lack of balance.
  • Temporary loss of basic muscle movement (bladder included)
  • Slight memory loss.
  • Sudden changes in mood or personality.


Is 90 diastolic too high?

Stage 1 high blood pressure (a diagnosis of hypertension) is now between 130 and 139 systolic or between 80 and 89 diastolic (the bottom number). Stage 2 high blood pressure is now over 140 systolic or 90 diastolic.