Is there a healthier bottom # "zone" to be in

lifeoriley · 10-11-2006, 07:18 PM

I measured my bp today at 117/78. I am wondering if the bottom number needs to be lower to be more healthy. For example 60 is more healthy that 117/70 or 117/70 is more healthy than 117/80. -or- is everything below 120/80 just as healthy. Any info?

sgannon · 10-11-2006, 07:29 PM

My understanding is the older you are the lower the bottom number. I can vouch for that as I am now 46 and my lower number hangs around low 70's sometimes even in the upper 60's.

lifeoriley · 10-11-2006, 07:46 PM

Are there any specific things I can do to get the bottom # (heart at rest) down?

Lenin · 10-12-2006, 08:55 AM

riley,

There is no evidence that a diastolic of 60 is healthier than 70. There MIGHT be some evidence that 70 is healthier than 80. BUT that is a NATIVE 70, not a medicated one.
An UNMEDICATED 80 is probably FAR healthier than a MEDICATED 70.

In fact, as far as risk factors for hypertension go, one is considered a hypertensive if he is taking antihypertensive medication, no matter WHAT the numbers achieved.

Cher2005 · 10-17-2006, 12:25 AM

So Lenin, that would mean that although you may have your blood pressure very under control, it still isn't good that you have to medicate to get it down? So an unmedicated person with the same bp will do better?
My systolic is bad without meds. but my diastolic is always fine. With meds it's very often in the 60's.
The odd thing is that most of the time my pressure is fine at the docs but high sometimes when I take it at the drugstore, etc.
Oh well you just do the best you can I guess. They are checking my kidneys to see if there is a blockage to determine why I need so many meds to keep it down. I do have some diabetes connected kidney problems.