Systole too high
If only the systolic value (“systole”) is too high, one speaks of “isolated systolic hypertension”. In severe cases, the systolic pressure may rise to > 180 mmHg, while the diastolic value remains at < 90 mmHg. Typically, older people and type 2 diabetics are most affected.
In most cases, this form of hypertension is associated with advanced calcification of the blood vessels. Sometimes, however, the valve between the aorta and the left ventricle can also “leak” – the doctor then speaks of aortic valve insufficiency. The level of the systolic value is decisive for the risk of suffering a stroke or coronary heart disease (CHD).If you also subtract the diastolic from the systolic blood pressure value, you get the pulse pressure.
If it is too high, the risk of heart failure increases. In simple terms: The higher the systole, the worse the prognosis. It is therefore essential to take timely medication to lower the systole!
All articles in this series:
