Blood pressure reflects the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. It is a fundamental indicator of cardiovascular health, measured through two numbers. The first number, systolic pressure, represents the force when your heart contracts and pushes blood out. The second number, diastolic pressure, indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. Both measurements are crucial for assessing how efficiently your circulatory system functions.
Understanding Diastolic Blood Pressure
Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure within your arteries during the heart’s relaxation phase, the period between heartbeats when the heart chambers refill with blood. This bottom number signifies the continuous force exerted on your artery walls. It is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
A normal diastolic blood pressure reading is less than 80 mmHg. When this number consistently falls between 80 and 89 mmHg, it is classified as elevated blood pressure, signaling increased pressure during the heart’s resting phase. A diastolic reading of 90 mmHg or higher indicates Stage 1 hypertension, while 100 mmHg or higher signifies Stage 2 hypertension.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
High diastolic blood pressure results from a combination of factors, broadly categorized into primary and secondary hypertension. Primary, or essential, hypertension is the most common form, developing gradually over time without a single identifiable cause. It is often linked to genetic predispositions and general aging processes.
Lifestyle choices contribute to both primary and secondary high diastolic pressure. Diets rich in sodium, insufficient physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress can elevate diastolic readings. Obesity also places additional strain on the cardiovascular system. Certain medical conditions can lead to secondary hypertension, including kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea. Some medications can also temporarily or persistently raise diastolic blood pressure.
Why Elevated Diastolic Pressure is a Concern
Persistently elevated diastolic blood pressure places continuous strain on the walls of your arteries and the heart. This constant pressure can lead to stiffening and narrowing of the arterial walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Over time, this makes it harder for blood to flow smoothly, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood throughout the body.
The increased workload and arterial damage raise the risk of several health complications. High diastolic pressure contributes to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, as narrowed arteries can impede blood flow to the heart muscle or brain. It also elevates the risk for heart failure, where the heart becomes too weak to pump blood effectively, and kidney disease, due to damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys. Even in younger individuals, an isolated high diastolic reading can be a significant indicator of future cardiovascular problems.
Steps to Address High Diastolic Blood Pressure
Discovering high diastolic blood pressure requires consultation with a healthcare professional. A doctor can provide an accurate diagnosis, assess individual risk factors, and develop a personalized management plan. Regular blood pressure checks are essential, as hypertension often presents without noticeable symptoms.
Lifestyle modifications are often the primary approach in managing elevated diastolic pressure. Adopting a heart-healthy eating pattern, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, can help. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress through techniques like meditation or yoga are beneficial. Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, along with quitting smoking, supports blood pressure reduction. If lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, a healthcare provider may discuss medication to help achieve target blood pressure levels.