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.