What is the difference between diastolic and systolic blood pressure readings

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Advertising Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Advertising and sponsorship policy Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Reprint Permissions A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 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. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted when blood is ejected into the arteries. When written as a fraction, the systolic blood pressure is the top number. Normal systolic blood pressure is mmHg or lower. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure blood exerts within the arteries between heartbeats.

When written as a fraction, diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number. Normal diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg or below. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings give important information about your health. However, systolic pressure is the number your doctor pays the greatest attention to if it is high. Dangerously high blood pressure, also known as a hypertensive crisis, is when systolic blood pressure the top number is or higher or diastolic blood pressure the bottom number is or more.

Stage 1 hypertension is when the top number is between and mmHg, or the bottom number is between 80 and 89 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension is when the top number is between and mmHg, or the bottom number is between 90 and mmHg. Looking to start a diet to better manage your high blood pressure? Our nutrition guide can help. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measure your blood pressure. Updated November 30, Wide pulse pressure: A clinical review.

In addition, if you suspect you have sleep apnea symptoms, such as heavy snoring, daytime sleepiness, or restless sleep, talk to your doctor about a sleep study. Sleep apnea is believed to affect at least 25 million American adults. Research has shown that using a CPAP machine while sleeping can reduce blood pressure in people with sleep apnea. To help prevent low blood pressure, drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, to prevent dehydration.

Stand up slowly from a sitting position to help prevent orthostatic hypotension. Also, notify your doctor right away if you feel a medication is causing your blood pressure to drop. There may be another medication option that will have less impact on your blood pressure numbers. Discuss which symptoms you should look out for and how to best monitor your condition.

For many people, high or low blood pressure is manageable. Shop for a home blood pressure monitor. High blood pressure readings are different for adults, children, and pregnant women.

Learn which levels constitute high blood pressure for these…. High blood pressure is often associated with few or no symptoms. Many people have it for years without knowing it. Learn more. Foods that are rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help lower blood pressure.

Take a look at our list and see which ones you'd like to add…. Many medications can be used to treat high blood pressure. Learn about diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and others…. Several factors can affect blood pressure readings, including eating, not eating, and diet.

Learn what can affect them and how to take an accurate…. 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.

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. High Blood Pressure.