Hi Dave,
The systolic pressure is the force of blood against artery walls when the heart contracts and the diastolic pressure is the force against artery walls when the heart relaxes (or between beats). They do not necessarily increase/decrease at the same rate.
I recommend discussing with your physician to determine if medication is needed immediately or if you have the option of making diet/lifetsyle changes to lower blood pressure, such as implementing the DASH Diet.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
7 Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
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