Systolic readings

[Rinder]

Hi. I'm confused about what a normal bp actually is and when to worry. BHF site says systolic should be under 135 for non-heart conditions and under 130 for heart conditions. NHS site says systolic should be 120 "ideally" and anything over potentially suggests a risk of developing hypertension. My systolic reading has varied between 110 and 140 depending on time of day and activity etc. I walk 5 miles a day in 1 hour and 10 mins without any difficulty or any discomfort anywhere. I'm 51.

[Hidden]

My understanding is that anything persistently over 135 for systolic at rest would be classed as high, but the key word is persistently. The way GPs would determine whether your BP was something to worry about is by using your averages per the NICE guidelines: BP naturally varies throughout the day, and most if not all people will therefore have the odd, technically hypertensive reading within a normal day, so what they’re most interested in is the overall picture. The advice I was given when I was picking up odd highs was to take 3 readings in the morning a couple of minutes apart, and 3 readings in the evening the same. Average each set of 3, repeat this for seven days, then average those 7 readings. If that comes out at above 135/90, either on the systolic and/or the diastolic, that would indicate you have hypertension and action should be taken. Healthy, ideal BP is actually classed as anything between 90/60 and 120/80, and my BP is normally 110/70 odds, however when spot checking, I’ve had occasional highs of almost 150/95, but my average still usually comes out around 125/80. It’s also important that you sit quietly for a few minutes before checking your BP, as activity raises blood pressure. The only exception to the above would be if you have an extremely high BP indicating hypertensive crisis, usually 180/120 or higher, at which point you should always seek immediate medical help via A&E, even if it’s a one off.

[JanFer in reply to Hidden]

That is very useful info

[Hidden in reply to JanFer]

Thank you 🙂

[Rinder in reply to Hidden]

Hello Charlie,I am so grateful for this extremely useful reply. I shall proceed to find my average in the way that you have described so efficiently. Thank you!

[Hidden]

I think Charlie has given you very good advice in his post. My GP told me that they now focus a little more on the systolic reading these days after a while ago stressing the diastolic more. He said that they would not consider prescribing medication for high blood pressure unless the systolic is regularly over 140 or the diastolic 90. I think all you need to do is continue with the excellent walking and be mindful of eating too much salt (processed food and so on) and not to worry too much about it, good post though.

[seasider18 in reply to Hidden]

Met a lady once who is employed to go building and industrial sites checking BP. Her instruction was to advise those with diastolic over 90 to see their doctors.

[richard_jw]

Blood pressure usually increases with activity, and quite possibly stress. It's normal that it varies during the day. It might also change depending on what meds you are taking. For instance if you take a beta blocker, that may well reduce your blood pressure and heart rate. Resting systolic of 140 is definitely at the high end. of normal

[Hidden in reply to richard_jw]

It is at the high end, if it is an average, but not high enough to warrant medication apparently. As far as I am aware the diastolic can actually lower during exercise as the arteries naturally widen, although the systolic does rise as you say.

[DickyValve]

I recently asked my consultant cardiologist what my top systolic should be when running and was told that up to 220 was tolerable!! I never get anywhere near this but began to wonder if I was not pushing myself enough.

[Rinder]

Thank you to Charlie and everyone else's reply. Very much appreciated. 🙏

[Jessie1234]

Thank you for this well phrased question and replies. Just the information I needed myself! Much appreciated.

[Palpman]

Diastolic readings are not necessarily an indicator of heart problems as the heart does nothing or is idle during this period. A high diastolic reading could indicate narrowing or constriction of the arteries in the short term.

The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure can be an indicator of the ejection fraction or force of the heart when it pumps.

[Jack2019]

I had a discussion with my cardiologist and we came to an understanding, I initiated the discussion, that if you are older, a higher pressure is not necessarily bad, because as you age your vessels slacken? somewhat so a higher pressure helps send blood through the body. This is my interpretation of the conversation so perhaps you can speak to your Doctor about their opinion. Mine agreed if you are above 60 years reading up to 150/90 is acceptable.

[Rinder]

Thanks.