Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Among the special forms of high blood pressure - a hypertension - is isolated systolic hypertension, abbreviated as ISH. When looking at the classification of blood pressure values by the German Hypertension League, isolated systolic hypertension stands out as an additional classification alongside normal and elevated values.
Thus, the characteristic feature is the sole increase of the systolic (upper) blood pressure value while the diastolic (lower) values remain low and normal.
systolic > = 140 mmHg / diastolic < 90 mmHg
Depending on the level of the systolic (upper) value, three degrees of severity are also distinguished in isolated systolic hypertension:
- Grade 1: 140 - 159 (Borderline-ISH)
- Grade 2: 160 - 179 (Manifest-ISH)
- Grade 3: ≥ 180 mmHg
If the diastolic (lower) blood pressure values are noticeably low (for example, at 60 to 70 mmHg), there is a particular risk associated with isolated systolic hypertension. In this context, the resulting increased pulse pressure should also be noted.
ISH occurs almost exclusively in individuals aged 55 and older. ISH in those under 45 is considered a rarity. Women more frequently exhibit the manifest variant.
What causes isolated systolic hypertension?
Two main mechanisms can be responsible for isolated systolic hypertension:
- On one hand, a dysfunction of the aortic valve can be the cause of isolated systolic hypertension. The aortic valve is located at the exit of the left ventricle to the aortic arch. If this valve does not close adequately, blood can flow back to the heart.
- On the other hand, calcified blood vessels can also lead to this form of hypertension. As the vessels progressively calcify, they lose their elasticity. This means that the vessels can buffer the pressure increase that occurs during the contraction of the heart less and less. As studies have found, there is a backflow of blood to the heart in the rigid vessels.
Other causes of ISH can include thyroid diseases or other, rarer conditions.
Therefore, there is also a need for therapy in isolated systolic hypertension. Additionally, a check of the vessels by a doctor should take place.
You can find the normal blood pressure values here: Blood Pressure Normal Values
Sources:
This article is from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that supports hundreds of thousands in blood pressure monitoring every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 12/2023).
Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology as well as in outpatient care and has been leading the editorial team of BloodPressureDB since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology as well as in outpatient care and has been leading the editorial team of BloodPressureDB since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
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- Isolated Systolic Hypertension
- Blood Pressure Normal Values (Table)
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