Isolated Systolic High Blood Pressure

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Overview

In isolated systolic high blood pressure (isolated systolic hypertension, or ISH), systolic blood pressure is elevated, but diastolic blood pressure is normal. This type of high blood pressure is more common in older adults, especially older women.

High blood pressure increases your risk for stroke and heart disease. How much it increases your risk depends on how high your blood pressure is.

Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure. Lifestyle changes include eating healthy with the DASH diet, losing weight, being active, limiting sodium, and limiting alcohol.

Depending how high your blood pressure is and your overall risk for a heart attack or stroke, your doctor may also talk to you about taking medicines to help lower blood pressure more. Medicines include:

  • Diuretics.
  • ACE inhibitors.
  • ARBs.
  • Beta-blockers.
  • Calcium channel blockers.

Credits

Current as of: September 7, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Robert A. Kloner MD, PhD - Cardiology




The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.