Little difference between systolic and diastolic pressure. Difference between top and bottom pressure

Arterial or blood pressure (BP) is an important parameter that is characterized by the pressure of blood on the walls of arterial vessels. Simply put, it is the level of "pressure" of blood in the arteries, which is formed by the tireless work of the heart, which, like a pump (constantly contracting and relaxing), pushes out blood that carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

A lot depends on blood pressure, without it, the normal functioning of not a single cell in the human body is possible, and, accordingly, the level of pressure determines the indicators of the entire vital activity of the body.

What is systolic and diastolic pressure?

At the doctor's appointment, the patient is required. At the same time, you can hear two different terms - systolic and diastolic pressure - what it is, it is not so easy for an unprepared person to understand. Let's try to understand what is meant by these definitions:

systolic or upper blood pressure - shows blood pressure immediately at the time of contraction of the heart muscle;
diastolic or lower pressure - occurs in the vessels when the heart relaxes.

The combination of these values underlies the diagnosis of many diseases, since systolic pressure is an indicator of the state and functionality of the myocardium, and the level of diastolic pressure makes it possible to judge the elasticity and tone of the heart muscle. The indicators of both types of blood pressure depend on the following main factors:

the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels - their ability to narrow and expand, the absence or presence of blockages and blood clots, the degree of patency of the arteries;
the total volume of blood in the body - the presence of such abnormalities as plethora or anemia;
heart rate - rapid or slow heartbeat, complete or partial relaxation of the heart muscle:
the level of diastolic pressure is largely determined by the resistance of peripheral vessels.

Upper (systolic) pressure is often referred to as "cardiac" because it directly depends on the strength and frequency of heart contractions. Accordingly, the more often the heart beats, the higher the upper blood pressure.

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Physicians call the lower (diastolic) pressure "renal", since its height is largely determined by the degree of patency of small arteries, the tone of which directly depends on the condition of the kidneys. For these reasons, the difference between the digital values \u200b\u200bof the upper and lower pressures is sometimes due.

Pressure difference

The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure is one of the most significant indicators in medical examinations. Focusing precisely on this ratio, the doctor can give a preliminary assessment of the general condition of the cardiovascular system and the degree of its deterioration. The difference in values means the following:

High systolic and low diastolic pressure

Direct evidence of the "accelerated" aging of internal organs and their high wear and tear. Usually this condition is accompanied by impaired brain activity. With such a ratio of upper and lower pressures, it makes sense to conduct examinations of the kidneys, the heart itself and, of course, the brain.

Almost always, such tonometer readings indicate a violation of atrial fibrillation and other cardiac pathologies, which, as a rule, is confirmed during cardiac examinations. The state of the body with such pressure indicators is called systolic hypertension and is most often diagnosed in older people after sixty and in women after forty.

High systolic pressure and high diastolic pressure

Such indicators indicate cardiac problems, arterial hypertension, neurosis, prolonged fluid retention in the body, kidney pathologies, coronary heart disease, tachycardia, heart failure, arrhythmias, metabolic disorders, and so on.

A similar ratio in blood pressure almost always unmistakably indicates inflammatory processes in the heart muscle itself and the likelihood of a stroke. Often high blood pressure is observed in patients with diabetes mellitus, obesity.

Low systolic pressure and high diastolic pressure

This ratio usually indicates conditions associated with mental or physical overstrain, or indicates the likelihood of developing diabetes mellitus, bradycardia.

Such indicators can be observed from birth in patients with heart disease or with a tendency to develop it. Often, with such indicators of the tonometer, a cardiological examination fixes all kinds of pathologies in the state of the heart valve. In addition, such figures are typical for the first trimester of pregnancy in women over forty years of age.

Low systolic pressure and low diastolic pressure

Such a ratio of blood pressure indicators is quite rare, as it accompanies severe life-threatening conditions (cardiogenic, traumatic, medical shock, Quincke's edema).

Sometimes a decrease in both indicators of blood pressure is observed with anemia or severe psychological conditions. Most often, disaster medicine workers encounter such tonometer readings. Under certain circumstances, this ratio unmistakably indicates internal bleeding.

Norm of ratio in pressure

The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure is considered normal with fluctuations in indicators of 30-50 units. Often, doctors themselves resort to a little trick, using the following formula to calculate the “correctness” of pressure indicators:

top - 109 + (age value multiplied by 0.5) + (weight in kilograms multiplied by 0.1);
lower - 63 + (age value multiplied by 0.1) + (weight in kilograms multiplied by 0.15).

The norm of systolic and diastolic pressure directly depends on the age of the person. A visual representation of the relationship between the norm of blood pressure and age will help to get a small table:

So, judging by the table, a figure from 100 to 139 mm Hg is considered normal for systolic pressure for an adult. Art. With regard to diastolic pressure, these figures are in the range of 65 - 90 mm Hg. Art. At the same time, doctors identify a certain pattern. Namely, the younger the person, the lower the normal blood pressure. In old age, the indicators increase, and this is considered a physiological norm.

Why is the pressure difference dangerous?

A large difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as a rule, occurs in old age. According to statistics, the percentage of patients suffering from a significant difference between blood pressure values is as follows:

2% are under 40;
4% - from 40 to 50 years;
6.7% - from 50 to 60 years;
12.4% - from 60 to 80 years;
23.2% are over 80 years old.

In addition to the state of malaise, weakness and headache, which causes a significant difference between upper and lower pressure, this condition is dangerous with complications:

the risk of rupture of the walls of blood vessels;
separation of "cholesterol" plaques and blockage of blood vessels and part of the circulatory system;
collapse or "rupture" of the heart (as they say in the people);
acute heart failure;
progressive development of hypertension;
internal hemorrhages, the brain is at particular risk;
ruptures in the tissues of the liver;
increased risk of stroke and heart attack;
the occurrence of dysfunctions in the spleen and a number of other ailments.

Simply put, the higher the difference between the indicators on the tonometer, the greater the risk to human health as a whole. The area of the body where the risk of disease is most likely depends on which of the pressures will become decisive.

chronic diseases

The small difference between systolic and diastolic pressure is the fate of patients suffering from chronic diseases, which often occur in a latent form.

If the tonometer readings differ by less than 30 units, it is worth going through a full medical examination, even if nothing really bothers you. The insidiousness of this state is that it does not depend on age. When examining people with a low difference between upper and lower pressures, special attention should be paid to such organs and systems as:

thyroid;
kidneys;
pancreas;
central and peripheral nervous systems.

Summarizing, it must be said that systolic and diastolic blood pressure are the most important indicators that indicate the state of our health. They can warn about the beginning of the development of a particular disease, point out to a specialist a certain pathology, various disorders and malfunctions of various body systems, or warn of a lack of trace elements and vitamins much earlier than any laboratory tests.

Therefore, it is very important to monitor the digital values on the tonometer, and for people suffering from pressure surges, it makes sense to record readings. This simple action will help analyze the general condition of the patient and identify the causes of violations in the level of blood pressure.

Maintaining a normal level of blood pressure at any age will help an active and healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits, proper and nutritious nutrition, eliminating the stress factor, and timely treatment of concomitant diseases.

The reasons for the small difference between upper and lower pressure may be different, but in any case, this condition is not normal and requires, at a minimum, a medical examination.

Blood pressure (BP) is considered one of the important indicators of the state of the body. Systolic (upper) is the pressure in the arteries at the time of contraction of the heart, diastolic (lower) is the pressure in the arteries during relaxation of the heart muscle. The difference between the upper and lower pressures is called the pulse pressure. What should be the pulse pressure? Normally, the interval between systolic and diastolic pressure should be 40 mm Hg. Art. (at an ideal pressure of 120 to 80 mm Hg), a deviation of 10 units up or down is also normal. The answer to the question of how much the normal pulse pressure is in a child is similar to that for an adult, that is, 30–50 mm Hg. Art.

Why is too small a gap between indicators dangerous? Too small a difference between the upper and lower pressure, confirmed by several measurements, indicates the presence of serious diseases and can even pose a threat to the patient's life, as it is a sign of dysfunction of the cardiovascular system.

If, according to the results of the examination, no serious diseases that could cause low pulse pressure were detected, the condition is corrected by changing the lifestyle in a healthy direction.

How to spot a small gap in pressure

Low pulse pressure is determined during the measurement of blood pressure, subtracting the lower value from the upper pressure value.

Measurement of pressure should be carried out after the patient has been in a state of complete rest for at least 10 minutes. The hand on which the measurement is taken should be approximately at the same level as the heart. The cuff of a mechanical tonometer is put on the shoulder and fixed slightly obliquely, since the thickness of the arm in this place is not the same. The cuff is then inflated to approximately 20 mm Hg. Art. more than the level at which the pulse will cease to be heard. Then the air is slowly released from the cuff, fixing the first and last blow. The first indicates that the pressure in the cuff is equal to systolic, the latter corresponds to diastolic. To measure blood pressure with an automatic tonometer, you do not need to manually inflate the cuff, just fix it on your wrist and turn on the device. The measurement results will be displayed.

In order to determine the cause of pathologically low pulse pressure, an additional examination may be prescribed to the patient: electrocardiography, echocardiography, ultrasound examination of the kidneys, magnetic resonance angiography of the aorta and / or blood vessels of the kidneys, general and biochemical blood tests, etc.

Why can be a small pulse pressure

A small difference between the upper and lower pressure in the case when the upper one is normal most often indicates the development of arterial hypotension. This condition is typical for women under 35 years of age. Other causes include diseases of the urinary system, an inactive lifestyle, heart disease, somatoform autonomic dysfunction of the nervous system, spasms of blood vessels. A small difference between systolic and diastolic pressure in a patient against the background of injuries may indicate internal bleeding.

Transient, i.e., a transient decrease in pulse pressure occurs with a lack of nutrition, increased physical and / or mental stress, lack of sleep, hypothermia.

Pulse pressure can also decrease with an increase in the lower or a decrease in the upper indicator. Such conditions are observed in chronic kidney disease, atherosclerotic lesions of the blood vessels of the kidneys, coronary vessels and / or aorta, aortic valve stenosis, aortic aneurysm, neoplasms of the kidneys or adrenal glands, constrictive pericarditis, high pulse rate, ventricular arrhythmias, left ventricular failure, cardiogenic shock, low concentration iron in the blood, dehydration of the body.

A small gap between upper and lower pressure with increased upper pressure is observed in arterial hypertension.

A transient, i.e., transient decrease in pulse pressure occurs with a lack of nutrition, increased physical and / or mental stress, lack of sleep (overwork), hypothermia. In this case, the elimination of the cause, i.e. eating, rest, warming, leads to the normalization of blood pressure.

How does too little pulse pressure manifest itself?

With an excessively small interval between upper and lower pressure, the patient experiences dizziness, headache, muscle weakness, pallor of the skin, decreased concentration, impaired short-term memory, drowsiness, apathy, irritability, increased sensitivity to sounds, photophobia, and sometimes fainting . A person does not feel rested even after a long sleep.

Low pulse pressure due to a cardiogenic or other shock condition is manifested by pallor and / or cyanosis of the skin, cold sweat, shortness of breath, confusion or fainting.

The difference between the upper and lower pressure of less than 20 units is critical, i.e., it means that the patient needs emergency medical care.

Low pulse pressure is determined during the measurement of blood pressure, subtracting the lower value from the upper pressure value.

What to do if pulse pressure is low

First of all, you should not self-medicate. The pathology is serious enough to seek medical help as soon as possible in order to find out the cause.

If, according to the results of the examination, no serious diseases that could cause low pulse pressure were detected, the condition is corrected by changing the lifestyle in a healthy direction. Such patients are advised to eat a balanced diet, give up bad habits, spend more time outdoors, get rid of physical inactivity, take a short break every hour of work, monitor the condition of the cervical spine, and be sure to get enough sleep. The minimum duration of sleep should be 8 hours.

In the event that the cause of a small difference between systolic and diastolic pressure is determined, the treatment consists in eliminating the causative factor.

So, with atherosclerotic lesions of the blood vessels, the patient needs to take drugs that reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, vitamin therapy can be prescribed, taking unsaturated fatty acids.

In the case of chronic inflammatory diseases of the urinary system, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial drugs, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed.

In chronic left ventricular failure, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics, and cardiac glycosides are indicated. In some cases, surgery is required. In the acute form of the disease, diuretics, glycosides, ganglion blockers are used.

Normally, the interval between systolic and diastolic pressure should be 40 mm Hg. Art.

In coronary heart disease, surgical treatment may be required - bypass surgery, stenting, laser angioplasty, etc.

Aneurysms require surgery.

For constrictive pericarditis, pericardectomy is performed.

If the pathology is caused by aortic valve stenosis, it is replaced with an artificial one.

In case of severe cardiac arrhythmias, antiarrhythmic drugs are prescribed, and if they are ineffective, implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator is indicated.

If the patient has neoplasms, both conservative and surgical treatment can be carried out.

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A large difference between the upper and lower pressure, exceeding a certain indicator, is a sign of pathology, it is necessary to find out its cause and eliminate it.

The blood pressure (BP) indicator consists of two numbers - upper (systolic) and lower (diastolic) pressure, which under normal conditions increase and decrease synchronously. Such changes in this may indicate disease, but most often appear spontaneously in the context of primary hypertension. At the same time, the interval between the upper and lower pressure remains stable. In some cases, it increases. What can such a condition indicate and what to do if it appears? Let's talk about it.

Upper and lower pressure and the normal difference between them

Maintaining normal blood pressure depends on many systems in the body, but the main ones are cardiovascular, endocrine, urinary. Systolic pressure depends on the state of the heart muscle (myocardium) - it reflects the force of contractions of the heart and cardiac output that occurs after contraction. The elastic wall of the vessels closest to the heart also plays an important role - they compensate for cardiac output, absorb it, preventing the pressure indicator from reaching pathological values. Normal systolic pressure is in the range of 100-129 mm Hg. Art. If the upper pressure changes to dangerous levels, the problem is usually in the heart.

The difference between the upper and lower readings is called pulse pressure. Normally, it is 40 mm Hg. Art., an excess of 10 units up or down is permissible.

Diastolic pressure reflects peripheral vascular tone. For the constant movement of blood through the bloodstream, it is necessary that the vessels contract, exchange takes place in the capillary bed, and osmotic pressure is maintained. These functions are performed by the kidneys and endocrine glands, which secrete hormones (aldosterone, vasopressin, and others). This pressure is usually 70–90 mm Hg. Art., and if it is violated, this may indicate kidney disease or secondary hypertension.

The difference between the upper and lower readings is called pulse pressure. Normally, it is 40 mm Hg. Art., an excess of 10 units up or down is permissible. With such indicators, the work of the heart adequately correlates with peripheral vascular resistance. Too much difference between upper and lower blood pressure (60 units or more) appears in a pathology called isolated systolic hypertension.

Reasons for the large difference between upper and lower pressure

The most common causes of isolated hypertension are the pathology of the heart and large vessels, with an increase in upper blood pressure, while the lower one remains normal or increases insignificantly. Less commonly, the systolic remains within the normal range, and the diastolic decreases. The main reasons for these changes are:

A decrease in the content of elastic elements in the vessel wall, in particular the aorta, is a characteristic condition for older people. High systolic pressure occurs because the fragile aorta no longer compensates for cardiac output.
Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fat-protein detritus in the wall of blood vessels, which leads to the formation of a plaque and its fouling with fibrin, due to which the elasticity of the wall decreases, and fragility and the risk of rupture increase.
Increased cardiac output - can be triggered by an increase in the amount of stress hormones in the blood. Due to constant psycho-emotional stress, the strength of heart contractions increases with pressure.
Violation of filtration in the kidneys - if the filtration barrier in the nephrons of the kidneys does not pass blood plasma well, oliguria develops (insufficient urine output), the volume of circulating blood increases along with pressure.
Kidney failure - leads to low diastolic pressure, leading to an increase in the difference between upper and lower pressure. In this case, the loss of vascular tone plays an important role.

It is not possible to cure isolated hypertension - the elasticity of the wall cannot be restored. But you can minimize its manifestations and avoid complications.

Why high pulse pressure is dangerous

For adequate blood supply to target organs, the coordinated work of all systems is necessary. A frequently occurring or long-lasting difference between upper and lower blood pressure is fraught with complications: the likelihood of a transient ischemic attack increases significantly, and after that - hemorrhage in the brain tissue, i.e. stroke. This is due to constant decompensated pressure surges.

The same applies to the heart - if the strength of contractions of the heart muscle increases, its need for oxygen and nutrients increases. Lack of adequate trophism is a risk factor for myocardial infarction.

With prolonged isolated systolic hypertension, aortic aneurysm may develop, and subsequently, its rupture. This is a terminal condition with a high mortality rate.

If the pathology exists for a long time and is not treated, hypertensive crises may occur against the background of isolated hypertension, while maintaining lower blood pressure within the normal range. The resulting severe hypertension can increase the interval between pressures up to 70, 80, even 100 mm Hg. Art. It is dangerous for target organs - kidneys, heart, brain, lungs, retina.

The disease progresses rapidly, as evidenced by the appearance of symptoms associated with functional insufficiency of some systems: dizziness, flies before the eyes, blurred vision, forgetfulness, shortness of breath, arrhythmia, tachycardia, chest pain, kidney failure.

What to do with a large difference between the upper and lower pressure?

Regardless of whether the interval increases due to an increase in the upper or lower pressure, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination and immediately begin treatment.

The most common causes of isolated hypertension are the pathology of the heart and large vessels, with an increase in upper blood pressure, while the lower one remains normal or increases insignificantly.

Diagnostics includes:

ECG (electrocardiogram);
ultrasound examination of the kidneys;
contrast examination of the renal arteries (if necessary);
ultrasound examination of the heart (echocardiography);
electrovasography of the vessels of the extremities;
general analysis of urine and blood;
biochemical blood test (in particular, for the content of free cholesterol and glucose);
coagulogram (test for clotting speed).

It is also mandatory to measure blood pressure throughout the day. Why is it needed? Sometimes the pressure rises only at night, and in the daytime does not give grounds for making a diagnosis.

Once the diagnosis is established, treatment begins. All drugs should be taken only for medical reasons. The following groups of pharmacological agents are used:

Beta blockers- affect the heart to a greater extent, reducing the frequency and strength of contractions, lowering upper pressure, but also dilate blood vessels, resume blood flow in ischemic areas, and normalize lower pressure.
ACE inhibitors- prevent the synthesis of angiotensin II, preventing systemic vasospasm. They act more on systolic pressure.
Angiotensin receptor blockers- break the pathogenesis at the angiotensin stage, like the previous group, but reduce the pressure more smoothly (which is necessary in conditions of increased fragility of the vessel wall).
Diuretics- contraindicated in renal failure, but in its absence are quite effective. They reduce the volume of circulating blood, thereby reflexively reducing cardiac output, reducing the difference between upper and lower pressure.
Drugs that improve cerebral blood flow- help to avoid the negative consequences of a prolonged increase in systolic pressure. They restore microcirculation in the brain tissues, thereby returning cognitive functions to normal.
Drugs that increase coronary circulation- spasm of the coronary vessels is fraught with a heart attack, so it is necessary to ensure good blood supply to the heart muscle during periods of increased stress, and at the same time reduce these loads.

Normal systolic pressure is in the range of 100-129 mm Hg. Art. If the upper pressure changes to dangerous levels, the problem is usually in the heart.

It is not possible to cure isolated hypertension - the elasticity of the wall cannot be restored. But you can minimize its manifestations and avoid complications.

Video

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The well-being of each person in many cases depends on whether his pressure is low or high. In any situation, the difference between the upper and lower pressure should not be too great. Systolic pressure that is too high compared to diastolic pressure may indicate a health problem.

The causes of high pulse pressure are varied, but they can be identified if you first track changes in systolic and diastolic pressure. Variable pressure can indicate illness, so it is best to consult a doctor who will prescribe the appropriate medication.

Normally, the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure should be from thirty to forty units. Deviations from this indicator in the direction of increase are not considered normal. In many situations, this serves as a signal to see a doctor.

The causes of too high upper pressure and low diastolic pressure are very different. With an increase in the difference between pressures, first of all, it is worth finding out which indicator has changed, and also pay attention to the person's well-being. Based on this, the following reasons for the appearance of a huge difference between systolic and diastolic pressure can be distinguished:

too fast work of the heart muscle. In this case, there is an increase in systolic pressure, as a result of which myocardial expansion or rapid muscle aging can occur.

Inelasticity of blood vessels, as evidenced by increased diastolic pressure. This condition leads to atherosclerosis with all its negative consequences.

low cerebral perfusion pressure - the force by which blood flows are pushed through the vessels in the brain. In such a situation, there is a possibility of developing tissue hypoxia in the head.

Stressful situations, strong experiences and other emotional stress. Under such circumstances, the condition stabilizes after taking sedatives.

Incorrect pressure indicators, which should be rechecked again, and if they are confirmed, contact your doctor.

Doctors say that a large difference between systolic and diastolic pressure is dangerous for human health. Such a symptom can lead to a stroke, provoke a myocardial infarction or its expansion. Elevated pulse pressure (difference between upper and lower pressure), which is accompanied by low diastolic pressure, may also indicate that the body is susceptible to tuberculosis, diseases of the gallbladder and digestive system. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist in the medical field. That is why you should not independently find out the reason for the large difference between upper and lower pressure, since a self-diagnosis, and later treatment, can lead to negative consequences.

It is worth noting that each person needs to monitor their pressure, since any changes in it are the first indicators of the onset of the disease. Too high pulse pressure indicators indicate the aging of the body and all its functions, which is bad for human life.

Pressure can be measured using special electronic or mechanical tonometers. At home, it is recommended to use the first type of tool, because it is easy to use and displays accurate data.

In order for the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure to be within the normal range, the following rules must be observed.

Take daily walks in the fresh air

Do gymnastic exercises every morning (at least about half an hour)

Take a contrast shower - helps to normalize the process of blood circulation.

visit a massage room from time to time

switch to proper nutrition

Get enough sleep, because sleep is the key to good health

stop excessive intake of caffeine or strong tea, alcoholic beverages

Give up bad habits and love sports

Avoid physical and emotional overwork

It is worth noting that following these recommendations, each person will be able to feel much better. As a result of compliance with the rules, not only the difference between systolic and diastolic pressure will decrease, but also the likelihood of heart disease.

As you know, systolic or upper pressure is the strongest pressure of blood flows on the arteries due to the contraction of the ventricles of the heart. Lower (diastolic) pressure - the force of blood pressure at the moment when the heart muscle is in a relaxed state.

Problems with blood pressure are known to many people firsthand. High or low pressure does not have the best effect on a person's condition. The same applies to the difference between the upper and lower pressure, which for some people is too large.

What is systolic and diastolic blood pressure, what is the difference between them is necessary not only for medical workers, but also for ordinary people. After all, the prevention of cardiovascular diseases largely depends on this. This is detailed in the article.

What is systolic and diastolic blood pressure

To understand what systolic and diastolic blood pressure is, it is necessary to understand what blood pressure is in general. It refers to the force with which blood presses on the wall of blood vessels. That is, to what extent the fluid pressure in the circulatory system exceeds that of the external environment. This indicator is one of the vital ones. His deviations threaten severe and dangerous conditions.

Blood pressure is determined by the volume of fluid that is pumped by the heart and the resistance of the blood vessels. Blood moves through them according to the pressure gradient created by the heart muscle. This means that it moves from a place with higher values to places with lower values. The maximum values are noted at the place of blood exit from the cavity of the heart (near the left ventricle) and decrease with distance from it. The highest level will be in the arteries, lower in the capillary bed, and the lowest in the venous system and at the confluence of the veins in the heart (at the level of the right atrium).

Most often, blood pressure refers to its arterial component, i.e., the force that blood exerts on the wall of arterial vessels in a certain area of the body. In addition to arterial in the human body, intracardiac, capillary and venous pressure components are isolated. Knowledge of these forms allows you to monitor the condition of patients and prescribe adequate treatment in certain situations.

Upper (systolic) the parameter implies the force with which blood presses on the vascular wall of the arteries at the moment of compression of the heart and expulsion of blood into the vascular bed - the phase of diastole (heart contraction). Its indicators are formed by the force of contraction of the heart muscles, the resistance force of the walls of blood vessels and the number of heartbeats per minute (other time units are used less often).

inferior (diastolic) the parameter means the force with which blood affects the arterial wall in the phase of relaxation of the heart - diastolic (diastole). In the diastolic phase, the indicator is minimal and reflects the resistance of the peripheral vessels. The farther from the heart, the less the cardiac cycle affects the level of arterial pressure, the smaller the amplitude of the criterion fluctuations.

Norm

Indicators (upper / lower) are in the range of 110-120 / 70-80 mm Hg. Art. (mmHg). Although, a number of researchers do not single out strict criteria for the norm, considering the optimal level at which a person feels good. Values in large venous vessels are slightly less than 0 i.e. below the atmospheric level, which provides an increase in the attractive force of the heart.

What is the difference

The difference between the upper and lower readings lies in their nature - systolic and diastolic. Systolic parameter formed at the time of contraction of the heart, and diastolic during its relaxation. For a better understanding, it is worth considering the concept of hemodynamics. In a narrow sense, it denotes the process of blood flow through the vessels, but in a detailed one it includes an understanding of the features of its formation, the factors influencing it.

The systolic indicator is formed in the corresponding phase, which consists in the synchronous contraction of the cardiac muscles in response to the passage of an electrical impulse along the conduction paths. At this point, blood is pushed out of the heart cavities into the arteries, which forms the upper pressure. It is also affected by the closing of the heart valves, which are responsible for restricting blood flow and preventing its reverse flow into it.

Diastolic indicator formed during the same phase of the cardiac cycle. It means the moment of relaxation of the muscles of the organ. At this time, blood penetrates into the cavity of the heart under the influence of a pressure gradient - it is filled. In the diastolic phase, electrical impulses do not pass through the conductive paths, but they “accumulate” up to a certain threshold of contractility. After overcoming it, the musculature of the organ is reduced - the systolic phase begins.

The concept of pulse blood pressure

The difference between the lower and upper values of the arterial criterion is called pulse pressure. Its normal values are 30-55 mm Hg. Art. But a number of researchers consider a value of 40-45 to be normal. Deviation from these indicators allows you to determine the presence of pathology. However, some experts share this point of view. They believe that normal parameters are those in which a person has no pathological symptoms.

An increase in the parameters of the lower and / or upper blood pressure is an indicator of a tendency to arterial hypertension or its presence. An increase in pressure for every 100 units increases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular pathology by 25-30%. People suffering from high blood pressure are 7 times more likely to develop circulatory disorders in the brain or spinal cord - strokes.

Attention! Timely measurement of blood pressure and interpretation of the obtained data on its upper and lower indicators is one of the main ways to diagnose diseases of the cardiovascular system.

What are the values

Upper pressure refers to the degree of force that causes the movement of blood during the diastolic phase. That is, the force with which blood leaves the left ventricle of the heart. In this phase, there is a coordinated contraction of its muscles and the closing of the aortic valve (the valve between the left atrium and the aorta), which prevents blood from being thrown back into the organ cavity. This determines the systolic pressure. In a simplified version, we can assume that the upper pressure shows the degree of contractility of the heart and the adequacy of its main function - transporting blood through the vessels.

Diastolic parameters show the degree of elasticity of arterial vessels. This is due to the fact that these indicators directly depend on the tone of the peripheral vascular bed. This criterion allows not only to control the blood circulation in patients, but also to influence it in a timely manner, to form a prognosis regarding the condition, life and recovery of the patient. Often, the severity of the lower indicator can be used to judge the state of the kidneys.

A change in the normal values of the systolic and diastolic components leads to certain pathologies. They can develop as primary diseases or against the background of other diseases - be secondary. Secondary conditions are most often caused by pathologies of the nodular apparatus of the kidneys, damage to the vascular wall, and the presence of diseases of the endocrine organs. In most cases, to normalize the condition, it is enough to eliminate the underlying disease.

The main pathologies indicated by deviations in blood pressure values are as follows:

(hypertension) or hypertension. The condition is characterized by an increase in blood pressure. More often there is an increase in both parameters (classic form);

low values correspond to arterial hypotension (hypotension). It is noted with a decrease in heart function or a decrease in the volume of blood circulating in the vessels (often caused by bleeding). In women, hypotension may occur during menstruation;

relatively rarely, there is an increase in the diastolic component while maintaining a normal systolic value. This is most often observed during a violation of the functioning of the kidneys.