What do systolic and diastolic measure

If this low blood pressure is serious enough, it can cause lightheadedness , dizziness , or fainting. If it lasts long enough and it isn't treated, it may cause organs like your kidneys to start shutting down. Systolic hypotension can occur if the amount of blood in your body becomes too low. This can happen if you are severely dehydrated or you have major bleeding; there just isn't enough blood to push through the body.

It also may happen if the heart muscle is too weak to push blood normally, as in cases of cardiomyopathy damaged heart muscle or if the arteries suddenly widen too much, as in vasovagal syncope a reflex that causes fainting.

Sometimes this low blood pressure happens when you change positions suddenly. You may feel dizzy when you stand up because gravity is pulling blood down toward your feet. This is a common condition called orthostatic hypotension. Your systolic blood pressure is the higher and first number in a blood pressure reading. If it's too high while you are at rest, you may need to have it treated. But pressure that's too low may be a serious problem too, so be sure to discuss your situation with your doctor.

The heart rests between beats so it can refill with blood. Doctors call this pause between beats "diastole. A normal diastolic blood pressure during quiet rest is 80 mmHg or a little below. If you have high blood pressure, the diastolic number is often higher even during quiet rest. Low diastolic pressure may be seen with dehydration or with severe bleeding.

It also may happen if the arteries relax and widen. Your systolic and diastolic pressures—the highest and lowest points of your heartbeat—change depending on your activity level, stress, fluid intake, and other factors.

This means that it is better to limit how these other factors change your pressure when taking a blood pressure reading. For the most accurate reading, it should be taken in a calm, warm space after you rest quietly for at least five minutes.

You should be relaxed, with your arms at your sides, and the cuff should be placed on your arm at about the level of your heart. Your legs should be uncrossed, and your bladder should be empty—both of these can affect your reading. Many experts suggest recording blood pressures over an extended period of time, such as repeating measurements at home, before diagnosing high blood pressure. Your blood pressure is a measurement of the pressures in your arteries while your heart is beating systolic and between beats diastolic.

These values are important in diagnosing and managing high blood pressure. They're also important numbers to know for treating a range of conditions, including heart disease or severe blood loss. It's important to get an accurate reading under calm, quiet conditions.

While both are indications of health, blood pressure and heart rate pulse are two separate measurements. Learn more about the difference between blood pressure and heart rate. Great job! Your blood pressure is normal. To keep your readings in this range, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

However, your numbers fall within the Elevated category, making you more likely to develop high blood pressure unless you take action to control it. Ready to make some small changes that have big impacts? Healthy lifestyle choices are a great place to start. You are in the first stage of hypertension , but there are actions you can take to get your blood pressure under control. Your doctor will speak to you about small changes that can make a big difference and other BP Raisers.

It looks like you have Stage 2 Hypertension. Your BP falls within the Hypertensive crisis category and requires immediate attention. If it remains high, contact your doctor immediately as you could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis. Ready to make some small changes that have big impacts? Healthy lifestyle choices are a great place to start. You are in the first stage of hypertension , but there are actions you can take to get your blood pressure under control.

Your doctor will speak to you about small changes that can make a big difference and other BP Raisers. It looks like you have Stage 2 Hypertension. Your BP falls within the Hypertensive crisis category and requires immediate attention. If it remains high, contact your doctor immediately as you could be experiencing a hypertensive crisis. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers.

See our editorial policies and staff. High Blood Pressure. Understanding Blood Pressure Readings. Blood Pressure Toolkit. Our monthly e-newsletter delivers helpful articles and the latest news for heart patients and their families. By clicking the sign up button you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. A high blood pressure level is considered anything over mmHg on the systolic reading scale and over 90 mmHg for the diastolic reading.

Some healthcare professionals consider amounts over mmHg a high systolic reading and values over 80 mmHg a high diastolic reading. High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is a serious medical condition. Most patients that have hypertension have no idea until multiple blood pressure readings are conducted. Hypertension leads to heart disease and several health issues like:. However, hypertension is not a death sentence.

With the help of a healthcare professional, patients can lower blood pressure levels. Patients can lower blood pressure levels by consulting with a doctor. A healthcare provider can recommend lifestyle changes along with medications to keep blood pressure readings normal.