What does a low systolic indicate?
Having low blood pressure is usually something everyone strives for. But when your systolic blood pressure gets too low, it can cause dizziness and fainting, and in some cases, can even be life threatening.
What causes low systolic blood pressure?
Hormonal problems such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), diabetes, or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) Some over-the-counter medications. Some prescription medicines such as for high blood pressure, depression or Parkinson’s disease. Heart failure.
What do the lower values of systolic and diastolic pressure indicate?
Here’s what the numbers mean: Your systolic pressure (the top number) is the pressure of the blood in your arteries when your heart contracts or beats. Your diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is the pressure of the blood in your arteries between beats, when your heart relaxes.
What should I do if my systolic is low?
Treatment
- Use more salt. Experts usually recommend limiting salt (sodium) because it can raise blood pressure, sometimes dramatically.
- Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating hypotension.
- Wear compression stockings.
- Medications.
Why is my diastolic higher than my systolic?
Your blood pressure can be measured using two numbers: Systolic (the number on top): pressure exerted when the heart pumps blood throughout the body….Table: Blood pressure levels.
| Blood pressure levels | Systolic (mm Hg) | Diastolic (mm Hg) |
|---|---|---|
| Hypertensive crisis | Higher than 180 | Higher than 120 |
Is 125 over 60 too low for blood pressure?
In most adults, a healthy reading is usually less than 120/80 mm Hg. Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is blood pressure that is below 90/60 mm Hg.
Can low systolic pressure cause dizziness?
A change of just 20 mm Hg — a drop from 110 mm Hg systolic to 90 mm Hg systolic, for example — can cause dizziness and fainting. And big drops, such as those caused by uncontrolled bleeding, severe infections or allergic reactions, can be life-threatening.
Which is the most important number in blood pressure?
For years, systolic blood pressure has been seen as the one that really matters. That’s based on studies — including the famous Framingham Heart Study — showing that high systolic blood pressure is a stronger predictor of heart disease and stroke.
What affects systolic blood pressure?
Systolic pressure is affected by a variety of factors. Factors such as anxiety, caffeine consumption, and performing resistance and cardiovascular exercises, cause immediate, temporary increases in systolic pressure.
Which number is worse for blood pressure?
However, most studies show a greater risk of stroke and heart disease related to higher systolic pressures compared with elevated diastolic pressures. That’s especially true in people ages 50 and older, which is why doctors tend to monitor the top number more closely.
When should you go to the hospital for low blood pressure?
If a person experiences low blood pressure along with concerning symptoms — such as a loss of consciousness, mental confusion, and a weak, rapid pulse and breathing pattern — they should seek immediate medical attention.