Topic Overview

In isolated systolic high blood pressure (isolated systolic hypertension, or ISH), systolic blood pressure is elevated (above 140 mm Hg), but diastolic blood pressure stays below 90 mm Hg. This type of high blood pressure is more common in older adults, especially older women. In fact, the majority of people older than 60 who have hypertension have isolated systolic hypertension.

If you are older than 50, a systolic blood pressure over 140 mm Hg is an important risk factor for stroke and heart disease.

ISH can cause damage to organs such as the kidneys, brain, heart, or eyes. And it should be treated.

Treatment includes lifestyle changes and medicines that lower blood pressure. Medicines include:

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

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is effective for treating isolated systolic hypertension. For more information, see:

High Blood Pressure: Using the DASH Diet.