Diastolic vs Systolic Blood Pressure is not as simple a question as it may sound
The medical community has found both conditions to be important when it comes to cardiovascular health. The question is, which one does the doctor use?
The medical community does not agree on a single method. Some doctors will use either systolic or diastolic. This is because neither is an exact science. Some patients who have high blood pressure are at greater risk of having a heart attack than others.
The current practice of relying on diastolic readings as the only diagnosis criterion needs to be re-examined against the findings from the many clinical trials and observational studies that have been conducted on this subject. Increased diastolic pressure as a risk indicator for coronary and renal diseases.
Systole refers to the amount of blood the heart pumps throughout the day. It is measured in millimeters of mercury. If you are taking medications, your doctor will usually refer to this number as your systolic reading, but in general a lower number than your diastolic reading is better.
There are many causes of high blood pressure, but they all have common symptoms. You may feel a tightness in your chest. You may experience fatigue or weakness. If you have any of these symptoms, you should take your blood pressure.
In some people, high blood pressure can lead to serious conditions such as cardiac failure. If you suffer from a heart condition, it's especially important to monitor your readings and make a decision about treatment based on your symptoms, your age and medical history.
If you suffer from hypertension, your doctor may recommend the use of blood pressure lowering medication, a lower diet, or the use of exercise. A lower diet is often prescribed if you are taking certain medications or have certain diseases. Exercising regularly helps reduce hypertension.
This article will explain the basics of systole vs diastolous blood pressure and how to use these readings to make better decisions about your treatment options. If you are concerned about your current health, speak with your doctor can provide advice on the best course of action.
When measuring your blood pressure, you must first identify the primary cause of your hypertension. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, but no other underlying health problems, your physician will probably suggest using a blood pressure monitor to measure your systolic and diastolic blood pressure simultaneously.
Sometimes, however, high blood pressure can be caused by a health condition, which cannot be identified using standard blood pressure testing. In these cases, your physician may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure. Many medications for treating hypertension are available over the counter or through a doctor's office. Some of these medications are used to reduce blood pressure temporarily or prevent further damage to the arteries.
Many prescription medications that are prescribed for hypertension come in the form of a pill. Other types of medication include: beta blockers (Chlorthalidomide), which block the enzyme alpha-receptors in your body; calcium channel blockers (Citratell, Pravastatin) that increase the amount of calcium in your blood; vasodilators (Nizatidine, Tagamet), which relax the smooth muscle of the heart and arteries; and diuretics (Lasix, Flurosemide).
Your doctor may also recommend the use of diet supplements, in addition to prescription drugs, to improve your health. Diuretics help reduce the uric acid levels in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and clots.
Although the above information is correct, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent hypertension. To learn more about the disease, visit the website listed at the end of this article.