High Blood Pressure

Isolated Systolic Hypertension

Managing high blood pressure can decrease the chances of developing more serious medical conditions

Isolated systolic hypertension is when your systolic blood pressure levels are high. Systolic blood pressure is one part of the two measurements of blood pressure, the upper number in a reading like 140/90 (140 is the systolic blood pressure; 90 is the diastolic pressure.)

Systolic pressure is a measure of the force of the heart's contraction; diastolic pressure is a measure of the heart's force when it relaxes.

Isolated Systolic Hypertension

When the systolic pressure alone is high, for example is the reading 160/80, it is called isolated systolic hypertension.

Isolated systolic hypertension can be caused by aging, lifestyle and conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

Age is an important factor in the development of isolated systolic hypertension, particularly in Caucasian males and African Americans.

Like other forms of high blood pressure, often the individual has no idea that they have this condition. In order for isolated systolic hypertension to be diagnosed, a series of blood pressure tests are conducted over a period of time in order to determine an average blood pressure level. Generally, upon the discovery of systolic blood pressure being above 140, further investigations are conducted.

Isolated systolic hypertension, like other forms of high blood pressure, can be dangerous if not properly treated. Frequent blood pressure readings at home can help your doctor know your blood pressure during the course of your regular routine. This helps us to tailor-select blood pressure medications that are right for you.

Isolated systolic hypertension can lead to more serious health problems such as risk of stroke, heart attack, congestive heart failure, kidney damage or other medical conditions.