Figure 1 shows that the risk for stroke markedly increases as blood pressure increases. Notice that persons with high diastolic blood pressure have more than 10 times the risk for developing stroke as persons with lower, normal diastolic blood pressure. Blood pressure is the measurement of the pressure produced by the flow of blood in the arteries of the body. Two blood pressures are measured, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic pressure is measured while the heart contracts, actively pumping blood into the arteries of the body.
Diastolic pressure is measured while the heart rests between beats.
There is a fairly wide range of systolic and diastolic blood pressures considered to be within the normal range. Dozens of studies show that treating high blood pressure significantly decreases the risk for developing these dreaded and potentially fatal conditions. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they have hypertension, and only about half those with the condition are being treated for it. These disquieting findings are shown in Figure 2 . Back to top Hypertension and the Elderly Over half of all persons age 65 and older will have high blood pressure.