Generally, a higher systolic blood pressure (the top number) tends to be more life-threatening than elevated diastolic blood pressure, especially for people aged 50 and older.
Systolic vs. Diastolic Pressure: Why Systolic Often Takes Precedence
While both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings are crucial for assessing cardiovascular health, systolic pressure often receives more attention due to its stronger correlation with adverse outcomes like stroke and heart disease, particularly in older adults.
- Systolic Pressure: Measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
- Diastolic Pressure: Measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Why Higher Systolic Pressure Can Be More Dangerous:
- Arterial Stiffness: As people age, arteries tend to become stiffer. This reduced elasticity causes systolic pressure to rise more dramatically.
- Increased Risk of Stroke and Heart Disease: Studies have consistently demonstrated a stronger association between elevated systolic pressure and the risk of cardiovascular events.
- Monitoring Focus: Because of the factors above, doctors often prioritize monitoring and managing systolic pressure, especially in older patients.
Important Considerations:
While high systolic pressure is generally considered more immediately concerning, both systolic and diastolic pressures contribute to overall cardiovascular risk. Isolated diastolic hypertension (high diastolic with normal systolic) can also pose significant risks, particularly in younger individuals. It's crucial to consider the overall clinical picture and individual risk factors when assessing blood pressure. Any consistently elevated blood pressure reading should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
