High systolic but low diastolic BP - treatment?

[Buffafly]

I recently saw a Nurse Practitioner re a problem with balance and generally feeling urgh which I think was a virus and of course she took my BP which as usual was ‘too high’ and told me sternly to come back in two weeks for BP review. I’ve taken BP meds before and didn’t like the side effects. I take my BP at home from time to time and noticed that my diastolic pressure is seldom above 60 which is the lowest acceptable diastolic pressure. Since seeing the nurse I have taken my bp at home twice daily and it has been a bit high so I’m wondering if there’s any solution to the problem of isolated high systolic BP. Has anyone else had this and what was tried?

At the moment I take Diltiazem 180 extended release and Apixaban for paroxysmal AF.

[CDreamer]

I seem to remember @BenHall posting about this a few years ago. Maybe he will respond now I’ve tagged him.

[ForensicFairy]

I have high diastolic and normal systolic most times. My cardiologist hasn’t said much about it as a seperate issue just about my BP as a whole. My average reading at the moment is about 125/90.

I joined the BP group on here hoping I could learn more about BP as it’s still largely a mystery to me but it seems it’s a mystery to everyone in that forum too. 😆

[Cliff_G]

I have a tendency to isolated systolic hypertension, but in my case I have a clear source, which is my substantially replaced aorta, as the graft has no elasticity. The aorta normally expands as the heart pumps in systole, which limits the peak pressure. The aorta then narrows elastically in diastole, to keep blood flowing to the body. Lack if elasticity = higher systolic peak pressure.

You would probably find other reasons for isolated systolic, searching online, see if any apply to you.

I have mine controlled ok with the right meds.

[Buffafly in reply to Cliff_G]

Tried that, not very helpful.

[Ppiman]

Do you take your BP first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking, and while sitting comfortably at a table, arm raised on a cushion that does not obstruct the cuff, trying to relax by looking out at the birds in the garden? And even then repeating 3-4 times with a minute in between each...

I ask that long list because only by doing that can I achieve a repeatable and accurate result! A low diastolic is quite common and there's little that it seems can be done about it. My daughter-in-law, a nurse, has the same diastolic as you and can feel some effects from it. She drinks lots of water to try to improve it but I doubt that does a lot, myself.

If your BP does remain high, then I would certainly find ways to reduce it as it seems it is A Not Very Good Thing in the long term!

Steve

[JezzaJezza in reply to Ppiman]

Spot on reply - that’s exactly how I take my BP every weekend for the last few years. It’s the only way to stop the feeling of panic as the cuff tightens.

[Ppiman in reply to JezzaJezza]

It is crazy, but just the feeling of the cuff making the pulse thump is enough to send my BP higher.

Stevd

[DawnTX]

I would make sure that your blood pressure system is right also because I found that the ones we can buy that are affordable are often off a bit. It’s funny my $12 oximeter seems to be the most consistent. The next time you get your BP done by the doctor also do it with your and see if there’s a difference in the numbers. I didn’t bother buying a new one. I just did the math. It doesn’t matter if you have white coat syndrome or whatever it’s how the matched up at the same time. My doctor told me to put the oximeter and anything else away. Funny my Cardiologist wants me to take it. I wish they would make my mind up. my EP said you make yourself crazy checking your numbers which constantly. I’m not sure what he would be doing with right now, but I am going to a new one because my guy left and moved out of state.

For the first time since my pacemaker, I am having blood pressure issues to the point that my just doubled my dose and also doubled my statin so I take it morning and night. My BP went back to normal the middle of April. I meet my new EP hoping he can give me some answers. My other one has been gone since October they have yet to be able to replace him, but I found a great one that I almost went to three years ago. I’m looking forward to meeting with him I have taken pretty bad falls. I’m afraid I have knocked something out of whack right now as I lay here. I’m feeling flutter and I’ve been getting it a lot. Usually, it’s only when I’m being bad having things like ice cream or too much of a good thing.

going on with my body and I don’t know what I don’t my heart but of course it gets affected step one will be Monday when I GP after my fairly serious accident last week unfortunately they did not take my hip x-ray and I was supposed to have a cat on my head. I have cats here I can put on my head but unfortunately, they don’t do the same thing lol

[Buffafly in reply to DawnTX]

😹 took me a minute!