systolic bp

How serious is it to always have a systolic pressure of over 150. Diastolic seems to vary between 75 and 80. Dr. tried felodipine , but it made my ankles swell up way to much even on a low dose . So he just increased benazapril from 20 mg to 40mg . Hasen't seemed to make much difference. I always thought that the diastolic pressure was the important number. Now Im really concerned about what may happen if systolic does'nt go down.

[va_tony]

The main long-term risks of high systolic are stroke, heart failure, coronary artery disease, kidney failure and retinal damage (to the eye) .

High systolic seems to be common as we get older and is usually due to a blockage of the artery to the kidneys (which controls the long term BP). My 92 year old mother has been having a devil of a time getting systolic under control.  Keping a balance between reducing systolic, keeping ankles from swelling and avoiding dehydration (with subsequent fainting, arrhythmias and trips to the hospital) requires a careful combo of BP meds. If this continues to be a problem, I suggest you go to a nephrologist (kidney doctor). They are experts at controlling BP and avoiding kidney damage (which is a problem with both the high systolic and many meds).

My Mom's BP prior to finding a good nephrologist was 190/80.  Now it's more like 140/80. IMO 150 is borderline and wouldn't result in complications for many years.

Best wishes

Tony

[deedle1976]

My mum's bp was 170/110 two weeks ago but has just come down to 140/80 after being put on Diovan, which is a new drug I think.

[surfgirl]

Give it a few weeks, sometimes these things take a while.  Good luck.

[cat33]

I'm not quite 92 yet I'm 55. My Dr. about 10 years back did recommend a nephrologist when we moved. So I found one and was doing well . Unfortunatelly  he passed on about a year ago and I was unable at that time to find another one who was taking patients. My present Dr. is aware of the

kidney problems that run in my family and has kept tabs on my kidneys . Thanks Tony


I have been under alot of stress lately which I'm sure adds to it all.