Low diastolic and higher systolic reading

[Jaslily]

I just wanted to ask a question if anyone has the same symptoms as me. I always have a low diastolic reading around low 70’s even though my systolic reading fluctuates from around 127 to 150. A nurse once told me that the diastolic was the most important? I am currently taking Losartan 25mg and wondered if I should go back to my doctor for a med review?

[Responsable]

The same case here! Usually 160/80. I never went to see a doctor and consider it to be "normal" for a 70+ old person. There were the cases where I measured 195/90 or so. Not on any medication, not having any symptoms like brain fog, dizziness, headaches etc. How I understand the situation, it is that the heart is pumping well, but there may be a leaky valve, so the pressure gets lower very quickly after the blood discharge in a stiff aorta (hence systolic pressure peaks).

[oldhuntress in reply to Responsable]

I am 92 and my diastolic at rest is normaly between 50 and 53 with a pulse rate of 48/49 systolic between 125 and 135.When I do something active the diastolic never goes over 70 but the systolic can shoot up into the 180's..The low diastolic does not seem to affect me when I stand after sitting for a while.

[Responsable in reply to oldhuntress]

Congrats! You have reached really impressive age! My pulse rate is at the level of 48 during my whole life, now tending to be 46-48. I wish you to get to 102 yo, then whatever may be...

[Happyrosie]

a very good source of information is the website of the charity Blood Pressure UK. If you need to delve further you could give their helpline a ring.

However, I’m surprised that you dont have a yearly check - everyone on medication should have at least a phone chat with the pharmacist attached to the doc’s surgery.

[TheJazzSinger]

S over D is how to remember it. Systolic of 120s to 150s is not that high and it changes throughout the day. Diastolic is normal at 70-85. It’s all to do with the heart pumping. Systolic is when the heart contracts and diastolic is when it’s at rest so the systolic would be higher than the diastolic.

[Merli0n]

Hi 👋 Jaslily if youre concerned the yes, ask your gp for a blood pressure review and advice. Or, in uk, you can just ask some chemists to formally check your blood pressure (free) then they can advise you.

[onadiet]

It's called ISH Isolated Systolic Hypertension. Usually older people. I've got it too. Systolic no problem but Systolic goes high. Sort of under control. Highest usually about 130 but often down to 119 or up to 160. I'm 73. Always goes higher in evening & strangely a few hours after taking meds. Always happens like clock work?