SYSTOLIC VS. DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE As we age, we increase our risk of having a stroke.  And high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke.  Thus, it makes sense to regularly monitor our blood pressure. Because we always read it with systolic pressure over diastolic pressure, I asked myself, which of these has more significance in preventing a stroke?  Here are excerpts from a recent Harvard Heart Letter by Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., M.P.H., Which blood pressure number matters most? Top or Bottom Number—which is more important? This question comes up often, perhaps because doctors and patients alike tend...