When the heart beats, it pushes blood into the arteries. Doctors term this function as systole, thus lending it the name of systolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the highest measured pressure.
Here is a list of systolic BP ranges -
- Normal: Below 120
- Elevated: 120-129
- Stage 1 High Blood Pressure (also called hypertension): 130-139
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or more
- Hypertensive Crisis: 180 or more.
Systolic blood pressure can fall under into two types. These are -
- High Systolic Blood Pressure
- Low Systolic Blood Pressure
High Systolic Blood Pressure
When the heart pumps blood with increased pressure, the heart rate goes high. This happens when an individual is under stress or exercising or at similar states.
Here, the blood pressure reading is normal as the person is in certain intriguing circumstances. However, if the pressure goes high even when a person is resting, it points to high blood pressure. That is why doctors recommend tracking blood pressure when sitting at a quiet place comfortably.
High blood pressure usually occurs due to arteries narrowing, which compels the heart to work harder to push blood rhythmically.
Low Systolic Blood Pressure
When systolic BP goes below the normal reading, it is referred to as low systolic blood pressure. If the systolic blood pressure level decreases significantly, it can lead to light-headedness, dizziness or fainting. If a patient continues to ignore such health conditions, it can result in the failure of an organ such as kidney.
Low systolic blood pressure can happen to an individual with a low amount of blood level. Severe dehydration or blood loss can lead to low BP, where there is not enough blood to push through the body.
This condition can occur when the heart muscle is too weak to push blood. This condition is common among individuals suffering from cardiomyopathy (damaged heart muscles) or vasovagal syncope.
Other times, low blood pressure can occur when a person changes positions. When a person stands up, gravity pulls blood down through their feet. This condition is called orthostatic hypotension.