systolic and diastolic readings Posted: 05-17-08 09:08am
Hi, what does it mean when persons blood
pressure readings vary in both directions
at the same time?
If the Systolic # is high while the
diastolic # is low - 139/55
This person has also been experiencing
headaches for 3 days
They are 56 yrs old - and diabetic - and
are not on meds for diabetes type 2
They are not real physically fit or very
active
Thank you
|
MandMs
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 26 Jan 2007 Posts: 2302 Location: Strumica, Macedonia
Thanks: 48
Thanked:11
Posted: 05-20-08 05:28am
In people older than 50, the main
abnormality is high systolic blood
pressure, often associated with low
diastolic pressure.
After midlife, the diastolic blood
pressure often falls.
The change in blood pressure as you age is
caused by progressive stiffening of the
aorta and its main branches.
As the aorta stiffens with age, it expands
less when blood from the heart enters it,
causing higher systolic blood pressure.
Also because of the stiffening, more of
the blood in the aorta and its main
branches is forced into other smaller
blood vessels when the heart beats, thus,
less is present between heartbeats to
support the diastolic blood pressure,
which becomes lower.
Does this person have a history of
hypertension?
Does it take antihypertensive drugs?
