Q: My Systolic and Diastolic readings have been as high as 110 points apart. Example: 178 over 68. This seems very unusual to me and my doctors have nothing to say about what it may mean. Any ideas why this can happen?
A: Ask your doctor if you have isolated systolic high blood pressure. As part of aging, systolic pressure tends to increase and diastolic pressure goes down. A systolic reading of 140 or greater needs to be treated even if the diastolic reading is normal. To learn more about this condition click here.