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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Which Of Diastolic And Systolic Readings Is Considered Important?

Hi I have been told for 40 years that the lower number in the blood pressure readings is the more important reading of the two. I dont remember which was which Diastolic or systolic but now a friend is arguing with me that the higher number is the more serious one. Has that all been changed? like so many other mythes?
Thu, 27 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for posting in HCM.
I understand your concern.
When we take the readings while measurement of blood pressure, we get two readings: Systolic which is a higher reading and Diastolic, which is a lower reading. Normal Blood Pressure reading is 120/80 mmHg.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a long term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated.
Normal Systolic Blood Pressure is 90 to 119 mmHg and Normal Diastolic Blood Pressure is 60 to 79 mmHg.
Pre-hypertension is a condition when Systolic Blood Pressure is between 120 to 139 mmHg and Diastolic Blood Pressure is between 80 to 89 mmHg.
Elevated blood pressure readings above these readings are further staged as Hypertension Stage 1, 2 and 3 respectively.
Hope the information provided would be helpful.
All the best.
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Which Of Diastolic And Systolic Readings Is Considered Important?

Hi, Thanks for posting in HCM. I understand your concern. When we take the readings while measurement of blood pressure, we get two readings: Systolic which is a higher reading and Diastolic, which is a lower reading. Normal Blood Pressure reading is 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a long term medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is persistently elevated. Normal Systolic Blood Pressure is 90 to 119 mmHg and Normal Diastolic Blood Pressure is 60 to 79 mmHg. Pre-hypertension is a condition when Systolic Blood Pressure is between 120 to 139 mmHg and Diastolic Blood Pressure is between 80 to 89 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure readings above these readings are further staged as Hypertension Stage 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.