No matter what i do there is always a 50 or 60 point difference between the two. Examples when its high my bp is 140/73 but when im relaxed it around 120/62 the difference is never less than 50 no matter when i take my bp. Should i be concerned? I'm 28 and on Benicar and exercise quite often so i feel im in good shape.

I would check with your doctor, maybe give him a call.

I will call him for sure Monday. It is around that at the doctors office and he doesn't say anything or seem to be worried for me. But i haven't noticed the differential till the past few days and it dawned on me that there is never any closer than a 50 point differnetial. Maybe because i have a mermur its doing that and doc doesnt seem alarmed. but i heard that if the diastolic is always low that can be bad news over time.

Gimli,

It sounds perfectly okay to me.

I think the difference between systolic and diastolic is called pulse pressure. My cardiologist told me that a pulse pressure of more than 50 or 60 could indicate stiff arteries or leaky heart valves. I have since read that a high pulse pressure is itself a risk factor.

How high was your pressure before medicine? Mine was running 150/90 when I was your age.

Sorry to interrupt, but I found the mention of "pulse pressure" facinating!

My bp at the Doc (last two times there) was 170/92 (a difference of 78) with a hr of 120 and 140/110 (a difference of 30) with a hr of 115. Confusing to say the least since the first would indicate arterial stiffening and the second great arteries... at home it averages 157/100 (dif 57) and hr 115.

I had actually never heard of pulse pressure and had to look it up... in my case it fluctuates too much to say it means anything, but to some it could be a very good health indicator!

Feeling a little stupid here. I am not understanding this thread. What's pulse pressure?

candle,

Pulse Pressure is the difference between diastolic and systolic and is attributable solely to the increase that is instantly added by the heartbeat without regard for the "resting pressure."
It is thought to measure "stiffness" of nonflexible arteries which is an indication ofatherosclerosis.

I think too much was made of the concept and now it's dying down somewhat.

Gimli,

I wouldn't worry about it.

I dont know much about BP, but i know I have a hard time with my lower number. I am on Benicar HCT. my bp goes between 116/85, 129/89 and 140/98 it is in the 90's a lot.