The Human body is a complex system comprising of other several systems working together. Among these systems we have our Cardiovascular system which plays its role tirelessly to maintain the body’s blood pressure. When we go to see our doctor, our blood pressure us often measured among the vitals taken. In our daily life, we see so many people talking about and measuring blood pressure. But, is it possible for everyone to do it by themselves? Is it a difficult task to know about the readings a sphygmomanometer gives us? Are both the readings the same thing? Why would doctors perform several steps while measuring a patients blood pressure? Let’s find out.

What is blood pressure? 

It is the pressure exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. It has two major parts,

  1. Systolic Blood Pressure.
  2. Diastolic Blood Pressure. 

What is Systolic Blood Pressure? 

It is the pressure generated when the heart pumps the blood into the arteries. The normal values may be variable depending upon the geography and population. But, it is safe to say that it is considered to be normal around 120 mm Hg. A little rise or decrease is also not the subject of worry.

What is Diastolic Blood Pressure? 

It is the pressure of the blood when the heart is resting in between the beats. It’s normal values depend on the area and community. It may vary accordingly. The normal universal value however is said to be 80 mm Hg. Smaller elevations or depressions are not considered significant mostly, until and unless one has some serious illness.

Systolic BP Vs Diastolic BP

Where to look?

The systolic is the pressure written as the numerator, whereas, the denominator indicates the diastolic pressure. 

Differentiating while measuring the blood pressure as a whole. 

  • Systolic:

When the cuff is deflated the first pulse heard (while keeping the eyes on the meter reading for jotting down the correct measurement) is our systolic blood pressure.

  • Diastolic: 

While deflating the cuff when the heart sounds disappear is known to be the diastolic pressure. 

Normal universal value.

Systolic: 120 mm Hg.

Diastolic: 80 mm Hg. 

Causes of elevation.  

  • Systolic blood pressure:

Hyperthyroidism, Diabetes Mellitus, Anemia, etc.

  • Diastolic blood pressure: 

Smoking, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, etc.

Causes of depression. 

  • Systolic blood pressure: 

Blood loss, Pregnancy, Endocrine problems, etc.

  • Diastolic blood pressure: 

Dehydration, Antihypertensive drugs, Severe allergic reaction, etc. 

Related important terms: 

Sphygmomanometer: It is the device used to measure blood pressure. 

mm hg:  It is the unit used for blood pressure. Fully known as Millimeters of Mercury.

Hypertension: An abnormal rise in blood pressure which may be life-threatening. 

Hypotension: An abnormal fall in blood pressure which is dangerous for life and needs immediate treatment.

How to maintain a healthy blood pressure? 

  • The key to maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle is prevention. Prevention of risk factors by lifestyle modifications that include, walk, physical exercise, healthy diet, low salt intake, etc. 

Conclusion: 

Now that we have gathered common and important knowledge about blood pressure and it’s types, question arises, which one is more important? We got you an answer to your query. While, both the Systolic blood pressure as well as Diastolic blood pressure as very important but, we can safely conclude the importance of Systolic being higher than that of Diastolic. The reason behind considering systolic more important is it’s significant efficiency to predict risks, such as, risk of stroke or risk of heart attack.