Normally, hypertension occurs when both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are higher than the usual. However, in some cases only one of the readings may vary, whereas the other remains the same.
Isolated systolic hypertension
Isolated systolic hypertension refers to the condition when only the systolic hypertension remains high and the diastolic pressure remains normal. This condition usually occurs in the elderly. If not treated on time, this health condition can lead to heart attack or congestive heart failure.
Causes
It is primarily caused by the hardening of arteries. Since the arteries are harder, they do not expand as much as they should. This results in an elevation in the systolic blood pressure when the diastolic blood pressure remains the same.
Risk factors
Though isolated systolic hypertension can affect anyone, there are some people who are at a greater risk. Apart from age, there are several other risk factors of the problem, which include weight, smoking and diabetes.
Symptoms
There are no noticeable symptoms of this problem. In fact, many people suffering from isolated systolic hypertension do not realize the problem till the time they have extremely high systolic blood pressure readings.
Diagnosis
To diagnose isolated systolic hypertension, your blood pressure needs to be taken several times. These multiple blood pressure readings are then used to calculate the average blood pressure. If the average systolic blood pressure exceeds 140, you are said to be suffering from isolated systolic hypertension.
Treatment
The treatment for isolated systolic hypertension remains the same as any other high blood pressure condition. Several high blood pressure medications can be used to treat this problem. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes alone may be enough to battle the problem.
Isolated diastolic hypertension
Isolated diastolic hypertension refers to the condition where in the diastolic blood pressure is high and the systolic blood pressure remains normal. It is more common in younger people. This condition may lead to heart stroke, heart failure and kidney failure.
Causes
Changes in the heart and the blood vessels are known to be the primary cause of this problem. The exact reason for these changes is still unknown.
Risk factors
Here again age is the primary risk factor. But there are several other risk factors such as amount of physical activity, diet, and weight that affect the problem too.
Diagnosis
To determine the presence of isolated diastolic hypertension, multiple blood pressure readings need to be taken. Along side, the pulse rate of the patient is also measured.
Treatment
In most cases, lifestyle changes prove to be of significant help in treating the problem. Regular exercise coupled with the right diet can help treat the problem. Diuretics are the most commonly used medication to treat this problem. Sometimes, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors may also be used to treat the problem.
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