Systolic Or Diastolic Pressure: Which Matters More?

Which Blood Pressure Number Matters More: Systolic or Diastolic?

When you get your blood pressure checked, you're given two numbers — but which one should you really pay attention to? The truth is, both systolic and diastolic pressures are important, and ignoring either could put your health at serious risk.

Let’s break it down

Understanding the Two Blood Pressure Numbers

Every blood pressure reading includes:

* Systolic Pressure (Top Number): This is the pressure when your heart contracts and pumps blood through your arteries.

* Diastolic Pressure (Bottom Number): This is the pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.

These two numbers together paint a full picture of your heart’s health — and both are essential.

What Doctors Used to Believe

Historically, doctors focused more on diastolic pressure. The thinking was that the resting pressure said more about your heart’s condition, especially in younger people. Meanwhile, systolic pressure was often dismissed as something that naturally rises with age — unless it was extremely high.

But recent research has flipped that perspective.

Why High Systolic Pressure Is Dangerous

High systolic pressure is now recognized as a major health risk, especially in adults over 50. It can be caused by:

• Artery stiffness

• An overactive thyroid

• Diabetes

• Heart valve issues

If left untreated, high systolic pressure can lead to:

• Heart attacks

• Strokes (especially bleeding strokes)

• Angina (chest pain)

• Chronic kidney disease

In fact, systolic hypertension is the most common form of high blood pressure in people over 65.

The Risks of High Diastolic Pressure

Don’t count out the bottom number.

High diastolic pressure can weaken the aorta — your body’s largest artery. Over time, this pressure can cause a bulge in the abdominal portion of the aorta, known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

If that aneurysm ruptures, it causes internal bleeding and can be life-threatening.

So, Which Is More Important?

Both.

Each number carries its own serious risks. A high reading in either systolic or diastolic pressure should be treated as a red flag.

Why Medication Isn’t the Full Answer

Blood pressure medications help, but they’re not a guarantee.

One major study found that people who controlled their blood pressure with meds still had a higher risk of heart disease than those who had naturally healthy blood pressure.

Even more eye-opening:

A 30-year-old with high blood pressure has a 63% lifetime risk of developing heart disease — compared to 46% for someone with normal pressure.

Take Charge of Your Heart Health

Managing blood pressure isn’t just about medication. It’s about daily habits and regular monitoring.

Here’s what you can do:

🍎 *Eat a heart-healthy diet** (low sodium, more fruits and veggies)

🏃 *Exercise regularly**

🧘 *Manage stress**

🩺 *Track both systolic and diastolic numbers consistently**

💬 Final Thoughts

Whether it’s the top number or the bottom one — if it’s high, it matters. Don't ignore the signs. Stay informed, stay consistent, and take action.

If you’re managing high blood pressure like I am, feel free to subscribe to my blog or sign up for updates — I share tips, tools, and insights to help you live a heart-healthy life.

Here’s to a healthier you! 💓