Cause of Wide Blood Pressure Readings

Dear Ask The Doctor: It is understood that high blood pressure is bad, but are there any dangers to having a large gap between the systolic and diastolic? I have had elevated blood pressure for at least several years, typically 165 over 115, but my GP only started prescribing medication this spring. The diastolic is down to around 90, but the systolic si still very high at 145, lowest, to 165. Aside from the systolic still being too high, does the large difference between the diastolic and systolic pose any special dangers?

Dear Erik: The normal pulse pressure (the difference between the systolic and diastolic pressure) is between 30-40 mmHg. A large pulse pressure could mean that the large arteries in the body are not compliant.Having a wide pulse pressure could indicate an increased cardiovasular cardiovascular risk. The causes of wide pulse pressure are Isolated systolic hypertension, aortic regurgitation, thyrotoxicosis, anemia, coarctation of aorta.

Since its only until recently that your GP had prescribed the anti-hypertensive medication, I would advise you to continue medication and monitor for any rise in your blood pressure readings.