Isolated systolic hypertension is a type of hypertension.A healthcare professional may diagnose it if the systolic blood pressure is above 130 mmHg and the diastolic blood pressure is below 90 mmHg.
Isolated systolic hypertension is most common in older adults, but can also affect younger adults.
This article discusses what isolated systolic hypertension is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.It also checks whether the relevant authorities consider it a disability.
As blood circulates throughout the body, it puts pressure on the walls of arteries.This is called blood pressure.
A technician may check a person’s blood pressure as part of a health check.Blood pressure readings provide two numbers called systolic blood pressure, which is the upper limit or first number, and diastolic blood pressure, which is the lower limit or second number.
When the number is above the normal range, a person has high blood pressure.Isolated systolic hypertension occurs only when systolic blood pressure is high.
Isolated systolic hypertension is a concern that a person needs to address.Over time, untreated systolic hypertension can lead to some serious complications.
A 2021 article noted that systolic hypertension occurs most often in older adults.About 30% of people over the age of 60 have this type of high blood pressure.
Young people are much less likely to develop systolic hypertension.About 6% of people aged 40-50 and 1.8% of people aged 18-39 have the disease.
However, according to a 2016 study, young adults with high blood pressure or systolic hypertension have an increased risk of heart disease or death.
In most cases, high blood pressure, including isolated systolic hypertension, does not have any obvious symptoms or signs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the only way to know if a person has high blood pressure is to take a blood pressure reading.
However, healthcare professionals may look for signs of medical conditions that may cause isolated systolic hypertension, including:
A person is also more likely to develop high blood pressure as they age.In addition, blacks are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
In 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) changed the classification of isolated systolic hypertension from any value over 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) to any reading over 130 mm Hg.
A single high or isolated reading above 130 mm Hg does not necessarily mean that a person should be concerned.According to the CDC, a doctor may diagnose high blood pressure if a person’s systolic blood pressure is consistently higher than 130 mmHg.
However, some practices use the early standard of 140 mm Hg as systolic blood pressure to diagnose hypertension.In these cases, doctors may still recommend steps to help lower blood pressure, even if they cannot diagnose the condition.
Treatment of isolated systolic hypertension involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medical intervention.
According to the American Heart Association, the most important steps a person can take to treat or prevent high blood pressure include:
Within 8 to 10 years, 30 percent of people with mild to moderate hypertension have a higher chance of developing atherosclerotic disease, the buildup of plaque in the arteries.Organ damage may occur in 50% of people.
Not all cases of isolated systolic hypertension are eligible for disability benefits.Like other conditions, a person needs to demonstrate that their condition affects their ability to work.
In some cases, authorities do not consider high blood pressure to be a disability, but may be the underlying cause.For example, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not list high blood pressure as a qualifying condition, but lists several conditions that can cause high blood pressure on its list as possible reasons for applying for disability benefits.
The Department of Veterans Affairs does allow veterans with isolated systolic hypertension to apply for disability benefits through its office.However, similar to the SSA, a person needs to meet certain criteria to qualify.
People diagnosed with isolated systolic hypertension should talk to their doctor if they don’t think they can continue to work.A doctor can help tell the person if they are eligible for benefits.
It is unlikely that a person will know they have isolated systolic hypertension because it usually causes no symptoms.A doctor may diagnose isolated systolic hypertension based on a few high blood pressure readings over the course of several to several visits.
People who are being treated for high blood pressure or who are at risk for high blood pressure should consider regular home monitoring.
They should contact their doctor if their treatments don’t work or if their blood pressure starts to rise.
Isolated systolic hypertension is a form of hypertension.Although it is most common in older adults, it can also occur in younger adults and may increase the risk of heart disease or death in younger adults.Symptoms usually do not appear.
Treatment usually includes monitoring blood pressure, medications, and lifestyle changes.If treatment steps do not help, a person should speak with their doctor.
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Post time: Feb-24-2022
