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Q: why is my systolic range well under control however, my diastolic reading is frequently just over 90
Hello Linda,
Let me first define blood pressure goals. You and your doctor should strive to get your BP no higher than 120/80. 121-139/81-89 values are considered pre-hypertension, and 140/90 or higher is hypertension.
Many different factors determine your blood pressure. An important one is the equipment and experience of the BP examiner A mildly elevated diastolic number, especially in the face of a normal (i.e. < 120) systolic number, is usually not treated. Evidence shows that an ausculatory method, that is when a health professional uses a stethascope, to determine BP often (as much as 75% of the time when diastolic BP is alone is elevated) is overestimated by as much as 5-10 mmHg.
As always, you should discuss your BP concerns with your physician, who knows your medical history well.
To your health,
Neil MD
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