Ask the doctor: Treatment for high systolic pressure?
If you are not currently being treated for high blood pressure (hypertension), your doctor might start with lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, weight loss, and cutting down on salty foods and added salt in your diet might fix the problem without medications. If medications are tried, because of your age, your doctor will probably aim first to gently lower your systolic pressure to below 150. If you don't have any bothersome symptoms, such as lightheadedness, your doctor will then probably push to get your systolic pressure below 140. Such treatment is also likely to lower your diastolic pressure, but the focus should be on your systolic pressure.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
