What is the difference between diastolic and systolic readings

The two numbers they mention your systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements, ex. But understanding more about these numbers can help you avoid bigger health issues down the road. Both are good questions. Like they say, knowledge is power.

In fact, blood pressure is the measurement of the amount of power aka pressure that your blood is exerting on your artery walls.

That first number or top number, in written form —systolic—shows how much pressure is exerted while your heart is beating.

The second number the bottom number in written form —diastolic—is a measurement of the pressure between beats. If you experience any issues or would like to provide feedback, please contact us. Rising systolic blood pressure is the clearest indicator for increased risk of death compared to other blood pressure measurements, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Their evaluation of blood pressure measurements and mortality risk found that diastolic and pulse pressure measurements were weaker indicators of mortality risk and their effect was more dependent on age and other factors.

The study appears in the November 4, , edition of the Annals of Internal Medicine. Systolic pressure, which is the higher number and first number in a blood pressure reading, measures the force of blood in the arteries as the heart contracts to push blood through the body. Doctors consider a systolic blood pressure greater than mm Hg millimeters of mercury as unhealthy and can lead to heart disease, stroke, and vascular diseases of the legs.

Diastolic pressure, the lower number, measures the pressure as the heart relaxes to fill with blood. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Recent Blog Articles. Health news headlines can be deceiving. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health? Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin.

Caring for an aging parent? Tips for enjoying holiday meals. A conversation about reducing the harms of social media. Menopause and memory: Know the facts. How to get your child to put away toys. Is a common pain reliever safe during pregnancy? Staying Healthy Which blood pressure number is important?