Ask Dr. Rowena

Photo Dr. Rowena Your questions about high blood pressure answered by a board certified doctor. Browse the categories in the left menu.

Low diastolic with a high systolic reading.

Q: What is the significance of having a lower diastolic (50’s & 60’s) with a high systolic (anywhere from 119 to 140’s, 150’s, 160’s and occasionally 170’s)?

A: You have isolated systolic hypertension.  This is a condition that needs to be treated to lower your risk...

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Lowering your systolic number

Q: I have high isolated systolic BP and my diastolic is normal. Why is systolic BP more important? Would using RESPeRATE be harmful for this condition? What’s a good way to get your systolic number lower?

A: Both systolic and diastolic high blood pressure readings are...

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Balancing systolic and diastolic

Q: I have Isolated Systolic Hypertension (in the mid 130’s) and the Dr is concerned that lowering it will lower the Diastolic reading (now in the upper 60’s) to unsafe levels. Can RESPeRATE be used to keep things in balance?

A: Yes, clinical studies have shown...

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What causes isolated hypertension?

Q: What causes isolated systolic (top number) hypertension?

A: The cause of most hypertension is not known. When a cause is identifiable, it is known as secondary hypertension. Isolated systolic hypertension is the most common type of hypertension in older people. Genetics, life style, and just...

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Isolated systolic hypertension and stroke

Q: Can a blood pressure reading of 160/80 be high enough to cause a stroke or heart problem in a woman of 82?

A: It has been shown that treating isolated systolic hypertension in the elderly lowers the incidence of heart disease and stroke. When to...

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Isolated systolic hypertension and aging

Q: I am 88 years old and in very good health. The only medication I take is the awful one for high blood pressure. My blood pressure reading is in the area of the l60’s for systolic and in the 50’s for diastolic. What do...

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Isolated systolic hypertension and aging

Q: I am 88 years old and in very good health. The only medication I take is the awful one for high blood pressure. My blood pressure reading is in the area of the l60’s for systolic and in the 50’s for diastolic. What do...

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Isolated systolic hypertension

Q: My Systolic and Diastolic readings have been as high as 110 points apart. Example: 178 over 68. This seems very unusual to me and my doctors have nothing to say about what it may mean. Any ideas why this can happen?

A: Ask your doctor...

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Treating high diastolic pressure

Q: Only my diastolic (lower number) is high. What drives the diastolic pressure and what lifestyle changes can be made to lower it?

A: For good information explaining blood pressure, click here. Diastolic pressure is the measurement of blood pressure between heart beats. Life style changes that...

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Treating high diastolic pressure

blood_vesselQ: Only my diastolic (lower number) is high. What drives the diastolic pressure and what lifestyle changes can be made to lower it?

A: For good information explaining blood pressure, click here. Diastolic pressure is the measurement...

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