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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Top Figure And Lower Figure Of BP Mean?

I am 88 years old, and am fairly active but my blood pressure two days ago was 170/3o Could you explain this to me, and is there a way that I can get it to a better reading. What does the top figure mean, and likewise the lower figure? Thankyou.
Mon, 25 May 2015
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Cardiologist,  's  Response
Hello I went through your querry.Actually our heart is pumping to drive blood into arteries to deliver pure blood yo various organs of body.the period during which heart is contracting to pump is known as systole.after blood is pushed into arteries heart to relax for getting blood from lungs on left side and veins from right side.This filling phase during which heart is relaxing is called diastole.the blood pressure measured in perpipheral artery measured during systole of heart is the top figure what is called as systolic pressure .the one measured during diastole of heart is lower figure called diastolic pressure.at your age it should be less that 150/90.
In your case salt restricted diet will control it.
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What Does Top Figure And Lower Figure Of BP Mean?

Hello I went through your querry.Actually our heart is pumping to drive blood into arteries to deliver pure blood yo various organs of body.the period during which heart is contracting to pump is known as systole.after blood is pushed into arteries heart to relax for getting blood from lungs on left side and veins from right side.This filling phase during which heart is relaxing is called diastole.the blood pressure measured in perpipheral artery measured during systole of heart is the top figure what is called as systolic pressure .the one measured during diastole of heart is lower figure called diastolic pressure.at your age it should be less that 150/90. In your case salt restricted diet will control it.