What is the difference between diastolic and systolic blood pressure numbers and what do they mean?
When reading your blood pressure numbers, the top number is the systolic pressure and the bottom number is the diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is the maximum pressure your heart exerts while beating. The diastolic pressure is the amount of pressure in your arteries between beats. Think of this number as the one you get when your heart relaxes - it should be lower. The numeric difference between the two numbers is called your pulse pressure.
A lot of questions can come with receiving a diabetes diagnosis at any age. But remember, there are many resources available to help you manage your condition. Thanks to the increasing popularity of digital healthcare, it is now easier than ever to book an appointment that works with your schedule, allowing you to stay on top of your health with continuous care. Set up a virtual visit for online diabetes treatment today.
Health screenings can give you a snapshot of what’s happening inside your body at a given time and can provide additional pieces of information on the state of your health. While doctors can help keep patients on track and up to date with their health screenings, it's also important that patients are empowered to play an active role in their healthcare and can advocate for the tests and screenings they need.
You may have heard about a few different tests for COVID-19. Some provide faster results than others. Certain tests are used to find out about a past infection and some determine if you have a case currently. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of tests to help you understand your options.