Which number is worse to be high in BP?
Blood pressure, often abbreviated as BP, is a critical indicator of cardiovascular health. It measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to serious health complications if left uncontrolled. However, the question arises: which number is worse to be high in BP – the systolic or the diastolic pressure?
The systolic pressure is the higher number in a blood pressure reading and represents the force of blood against the artery walls when the heart beats. The diastolic pressure is the lower number and indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. Understanding which of these numbers is more concerning when they are high can help individuals better manage their blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. In this article, we will explore the significance of both systolic and diastolic pressure and determine which one poses a greater risk when elevated.