Hi! My blood pressure went up while taking Singulair for my allergies. It was usually around 138/95. After a couple of weeks the top side went back down to 118-125, however the bottom side stayed high. What does the top and bottom side represent? Which is most dangerous or are both equally? Does anyone have any idea why the bottom side only would stay up? I have stopped the Singulair, by the way, and am going back down to normal. I am very careful about watching my bp. Practically everyone in my mother's family (including herself, and both parents and all her 5 siblings) has high bp and need to be medicated. If anyone could offer any information, I would really appreciate it! Thanks!! :)

Firefly,

It's odd that your BP went up on Singulair. This steroid is not contraindicated for folks with hypertension and should not be a problem!


The two numbers used to describe blood pressure are the systolic (the top #) and the diastolic (bottom #).

The systolic pressure measures the force that blood exerts on the artery walls as the heart contracts to pump out the blood.

The diastolic pressure is the measurement of force as the heart relaxes to allow the blood to flow into the heart.

The top (systolic) pressure is now considered a more important and potent predictor of future cardiovascular events. Although the diastolic is also important and should ideally be at or below 80 (85 if diabetic).

I'm not sure why your diastolic is staying up, but it's too high at 95. Perhaps you need a medication adjustment.
Have a talk with your doctor.

zuzu xxx