SENIORS, Which Blood Pressure Number is More DANGEROUS?
SENIORS: Which Blood Pressure Number is More DANGEROUS? Channel: Dr. Kingswell: Blood Pressure After 60 Host: Dr. Kingswell If you are over 60, you have likely seen your blood pressure readings hundreds of times. But there is a dangerous misconception that as long as your "bottom number" is low, you are safe. In this video, I reveal why the top number (Systolic Pressure) becomes the primary threat to your health as you age. Understanding this distinction could be the difference between maintaining your independence and suffering a life-altering stroke or heart attack. What the Numbers Actually Mean: Systolic (Top Number): The peak force in your arteries when your heart contracts. Think of it as the "wave crashing." Diastolic (Bottom Number): The pressure when your heart relaxes between beats. The "calm between waves." Why the Top Number Rules After 60 As we age, our arteries naturally lose their elasticity—a process often called "stiffening." Because stiff arteries cannot expand to absorb the heart's pulse, the Systolic pressure shoots up, while the Diastolic often stays normal or even drops. This creates Isolated Systolic Hypertension, a condition that: Increases stroke risk by 30–40%. Places a "hammering" force on the delicate vessels of the brain and kidneys. Forces the heart muscle to thicken and weaken (Heart Failure risk). Understanding the Risks Condition Primary Driver (Over 60) Impact Stroke High Systolic Damaged brain vessels / Bleeding. Heart Failure High Systolic Heart muscle thickens to fight pressure. Kidney Disease High Systolic Damage to delicate filtering units. Arterial Stiffness Wide Pulse Pressure Large gap between top and bottom numbers. Your Action Plan Don't Ignore the Top Number: If your reading is 140/70, that 140 is a signal for action, even if the 70 looks "perfect." Home Monitoring: Check your pressure in the morning and evening. Bring a week's worth of readings to your GP. Lifestyle Adjustments: Focus on reducing salt (sodium), daily walking, and stress management. Medication: If lifestyle changes aren't enough, modern medications can safely lower systolic pressure and protect your organs. Tags & Hashtags Hashtags: #highbloodpressure #BloodPressureAfter60 #Hearthealth #BloodPressure #Circulation #BloodPressure #SeniorsHealth #DrKingswell #SystolicVsDiastolic #HypertensionUK #StrokePrevention #HeartHealth #HealthyAgeing #BloodPressureAfter60 #MedicalAdvice Video Tags: Dr. Kingswell: Blood Pressure After 60, high blood pressure, Hypertension, Blood Pressure, after 60, Blood pressure after 60, Circulation, Senior wellness, Omega-3, Heart attack, Blood circulation, Lower blood pressure, Potassium foods, Which blood pressure number is more important, systolic vs diastolic after 60, isolated systolic hypertension, high blood pressure symptoms in seniors, Dr. Kingswell, blood pressure after 60, UK heart health, stroke prevention for elderly, pulse pressure explained, arterial stiffness, lowering systolic pressure naturally, NHS blood pressure targets. Would you like me to create a "Cheat Sheet" summary of these points that you can offer as a PDF download or a pinned comment for your viewers?
