Wellness
Systolic vs Diastolic: Know Your Numbers
Understand the crucial difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, why monitoring it is key for your health, and how to manage your numbers.
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What is it?
Your blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure, the top number, measures the force your heart exerts on artery walls each time it beats. Diastolic pressure, the bottom number, measures the pressure in your arteries when the heart is resting between beats. For example, in a reading of 120/80, 120 is the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic. Both numbers are crucial indicators of your cardiovascular health. A healthy blood pressure is typically below 120/80 mm Hg.
Why is it trending?
Increased awareness of hypertension (high blood pressure) as a "silent killer" has brought a new focus to understanding these numbers. With nearly half of American adults having high blood pressure, often without symptoms, personal health monitoring has become a significant wellness trend. The availability of affordable home blood pressure monitors empowers people to track their health proactively. Furthermore, evolving medical guidelines on what constitutes a "normal" reading encourage more people to pay closer attention to their systolic and diastolic values for preventative care.
How does it affect people?
Consistently high systolic or diastolic pressure can damage arteries and lead to severe health problems like heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but it's often manageable. Understanding your numbers is the first step toward control. Lifestyle choices related to diet, exercise, stress management, and weight have a direct impact on blood pressure. By monitoring both systolic and diastolic readings, individuals can make informed decisions and work with healthcare providers to protect their long-term health.