When it comes to the different types of blood pressure, systolic and diastolic are two of the most commonly talked about. But what exactly are they? And what’s the difference between them? Here’s a look at both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as what they mean for your health.
What is Systolic?
Systolic refers to the top number in a blood pressure reading. This number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood through your body. Normal Systolic blood pressure is less than 120. Systolic blood pressure may increase as you age, but it should still stay below 140 in most cases. If your Systolic blood pressure is consistently above 140, you may have high blood pressure and should talk to your doctor. Systolic blood pressure can also be affected by factors such as stress, exercise, and certain medications. If you have any concerns about your Systolic blood pressure, be sure to discuss them with your doctor.
What is Diastolic?
Diastolic is the term used to describe the bottom number in a blood pressure reading. This number measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest, between beats. A normal diastolic blood pressure reading is below 80. Diastolic hypertension is when your diastolic blood pressure is above 80. While diastolic hypertension doesn’t usually cause symptoms on its own, it can be a sign of underlying health problems and should be monitored by a doctor. Diastolic hypertension can often be controlled with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, but sometimes medication is necessary. If you have diastolic hypertension, talk to your doctor about the best way to manage it.
Difference between Systolic and Diastolic
Systolic and diastolic are terms used to describe blood pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood, while diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats. A change in either systolic or diastolic pressure can indicate a problem with the heart or circulatory system. For example, a decrease in systolic pressure may be a sign of dehydration, while an increase in diastolic pressure may be a sign of congestive heart failure. Knowing the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure can help doctors to better assess a patient’s health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, systolic pressure is the pressure your heart creates as it pumps blood out into the arteries. Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when your heart relaxes between beats. The American Heart Association provides a handy chart that shows normal blood pressure ranges for different age groups.
