Which blood pressure number matters most? It may depend on your age
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In a new study from the University of Southern Denmark, researchers found people’s age may determine which blood pressure number matters most.
Systolic blood pressure is the best way to predict future cardiovascular events and death, irrespective of age, according to new research.
But in younger people, diastolic blood pressure could still be important. Systolic pressure – the upper number in a blood pressure reading – measures how hard the heart pumps blood into arteries.
Diastolic – The bottom number – indicates the pressure on the arteries when the heart rests between beats.