Isolated Systolic High Blood Pressure

Topic Overview

In isolated systolic high blood pressure (isolated systolic hypertension, or ISH), systolic blood pressure is elevated (140 mm Hg or higher), but diastolic blood pressure stays below 90 mm Hg. This type of high blood pressure is more common in older adults, especially older women. In fact, the majority of people older than 60 who have hypertension have isolated systolic hypertension.

A systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher is an important risk factor for stroke and heart disease.

ISH can cause damage to organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart, or eyes. And it should be treated.

Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medicines that lower blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes include eating healthy with the DASH diet, losing weight, being active, limiting sodium, and limiting alcohol.

Medicines include:

• Diuretics.
• ACE inhibitors.
• ARBs.
• Beta-blockers.
• Calcium channel blockers.