Causes of too high a systole with too low a diastole

The clinical picture of isolated systolic hypertension is characterized by a relatively high systolic blood pressure value and a relatively low diastolic blood pressure value (e.g. 160/50 mmHg). Thus the blood pressure amplitude increases to pathological levels. There are two main causes for this isolated systolic hypertension.

Both can be assigned to the arterial system of the cardiovascular system. On the one hand, it can be caused by a disorder of the aortic valve (such as aortic valve stenosis). On the other hand, advanced arteriosclerosis (plaque-like deposition of blood lipids in the vessel wall) of the arterial blood vessels also causes isolated systolic hypertension.

As a result of arteriosclerosis, the arterial vessels lose their elasticity and “stiffen”. As a result, the heart can no longer respond to the pressure pulse of the heart with a damping effect and the heart must therefore build up higher pressure values to supply the periphery with oxygenated blood. With age, however, a certain increase in systolic blood pressure values combined with a slight decrease in diastolic blood pressure values is completely normal.

Symptoms of a too high systole

A too high systole usually becomes noticeable quite late by symptoms. However, depending on the cause, which leads to a too high systole, accompanying symptoms may occur. Especially in primary hypertension, where the systole is elevated without an existing disease, it is often difficult to identify typical symptoms. Secondary hypertension is usually easier to recognize because there are specific accompanying symptoms: Thus, it can be generally said that an excessive systole is a symptom for many diseases and therefore, above all, the accompanying symptoms as well as the age and appearance (diet, lifestyle) of the patient must be taken into account.

Primary hypertension: palpitations, sweating, restlessness, general agitation, decreased performance
Hyperthyroidism: rapid heartbeat, heavy perspiration, restlessness, hyperactivity and weight loss despite intense hunger and plenty of food
Renal hypertension: too high systole, normal or only slightly increased diastole, otherwise specific symptoms are missing
Hyperaldosteronism: increased thirst, hypokalemia (low potassium level), blood pH too acidic (metabolic acidosis)
Acromegaly: long extremities
Cushing’s syndrome: full moon face, trunk obesity, muscle weakness, thin skin, depression
Pheochromocytoma: suddenly racing, rapidly throbbing heart for a few seconds/minutes