Blood Pressure Question

[PlaneCrazy]

I've never had a real problem with my blood pressure. It used to be around 130/80. I haven't had it checked since going on Atkins last February until today. I went to give blood and they checked my pressure and it was 124/70, an improvement!

Now, from what I read 70 is good, but with revised BP numbers 124 is now considered "pre-hypertension". ???Huh???

Anyway, the question I have is about the diastolic number. I seem to remember having read some time ago that the second number, the diastolic number is the more important. I'm not at all worried, I'm just curious as to what would cause a greater relative drop in the diastolic number over the systolic? What's the implication of this?

Anyone have an answer or two?

Plane Crazy

[cranial33]

I won't be much help as far as understanding the numbers. All I can tell you is that I was on blood pressure medication prior to going on Atkins and losing my weight. Now my blood pressure is 127/78 (off medication), which is a huge improvement. :thup:

[doreen T]

Anyway, the question I have is about the diastolic number. I seem to remember having read some time ago that the second number, the diastolic number is the more important. I'm not at all worried, I'm just curious as to what would cause a greater relative drop in the diastolic number over the systolic? What's the implication of this?
The top number or "systolic pressure" is the measurement of the pressure in your arteries during the pumping phase of the heartbeat. The bottom number or "diastolic pressure" measures the pressure in your arteries when the heart is resting between beats .. .. Another way to think of it is that the systolic is the force of the hearbeat, and the diastolic is the resistance in the arteries.

The systolic pressure can vary quite a bit in a normal day - activity, caffeine, eating a big meal, anxiety, etc can make it go up temporarily. So, unless it's really high and STAYS high, it usually doesn't indicate a problem. A high diastolic pressure can indicate a problem with the arteries.


hth,

Doreen

[MichaelG]

When I used to run half-marathons my blood pressure was ususally about 120/70, which my Dr. said would be good for a teenage girl. As a 47 year old man I considered this good.

Now that I exercies less, I'm still at 130/85 which still causes Dr, to nod approvingly.

If you ever get to 250/165 as a good friend of mind did until they put him on beta blockers, don't worry. Enjoy.

Cheers

Michael
Australia

[PlaneCrazy]

Thanks, y'all. I guess since I'm a 40-year-old man and not a teenage girl, I'm doing ok. :)

Plane Crazy
In a high state of grease, and loving it.