Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood against artery walls. It’s expressed as two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure, the upper number, indicates pressure when the heart contracts and pumps blood. Diastolic pressure, the lower number, reflects pressure when the heart relaxes between beats and refills.
What Diastolic Blood Pressure Represents
Diastolic blood pressure represents the minimum pressure in large arteries during the heart’s relaxation phase, as chambers refill with blood. This reading indicates the constant pressure on arterial walls even at rest. Medical guidelines, including those from the American Heart Association, define a high diastolic reading as 80 mmHg or higher. A normal blood pressure reading for most adults is generally below 120/80 mm Hg.
Lifestyle Contributors
Several modifiable lifestyle factors can contribute to elevated diastolic blood pressure. A diet high in sodium, common in processed foods, leads to increased water retention and higher blood pressure. Inadequate potassium intake can disrupt electrolyte balance, increasing sodium retention and constricting blood vessels. Diets high in saturated and trans fats can also negatively affect vascular health.
A sedentary lifestyle contributes to higher blood pressure by reducing cardiovascular efficiency. Being overweight or obese significantly increases the heart’s workload. Excess fat tissue, especially around abdominal organs, can elevate blood pressure through hormonal and nervous system changes.
Chronic stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that temporarily increase heart rate and constrict blood vessels. Smoking directly impacts blood vessels, causing them to narrow and stiffen, which increases arterial pressure. Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure through mechanisms like affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, leading to blood vessel constriction and fluid retention.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Beyond lifestyle choices, specific medical conditions and certain medications can directly influence diastolic blood pressure. Kidney disease impairs the body’s ability to regulate fluid and sodium, leading to fluid buildup and increased blood pressure. When kidneys cannot properly excrete sodium, blood volume expands, putting more pressure on artery walls.
Thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), can lead to elevated blood pressure. Hypothyroidism can slow the heart rate and make blood vessels less flexible, requiring the heart to work harder. Sleep apnea, marked by interrupted breathing during sleep, causes repeated drops in oxygen levels and increased central nervous system activity, contributing to chronic blood pressure elevation.
Arterial stiffness, often associated with aging, causes arteries to lose elasticity, increasing resistance to blood flow and raising diastolic pressure. Primary aldosteronism, where adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, leads to excessive sodium and water retention, increasing blood volume and pressure. Certain medications can also raise blood pressure, including decongestants, NSAIDs, some oral contraceptives, antidepressants, or corticosteroids. Patients should discuss such side effects with their healthcare provider.
Importance of Identifying the Cause
Identifying the specific cause of an elevated diastolic number is crucial for effective management. Understanding the root allows for targeted interventions, whether modifying lifestyle habits, adjusting medications, or treating an underlying medical condition. For instance, if diet is the primary factor, dietary changes can be prioritized. If a medical condition is identified, treating it directly can normalize blood pressure.
Untreated high diastolic pressure can contribute to various cardiovascular risks, including heart disease and stroke. Identifying the underlying cause is vital for mitigating potential long-term health complications. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and personalized advice.