Systolic vs. Diastolic Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know

Systolic pressure is the more important number to watch. It is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. A high systolic pressure can mean you have high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other health problems.

Diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest. It is also important, but it is not as strong a risk factor for heart disease as systolic pressure.