Blood pressure measures the force blood exerts against artery walls. It is presented as two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure (the top number) indicates pressure when your heart beats and pushes blood out. Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats and refills with blood. Consistently elevated diastolic readings warrant attention as they can indicate underlying health considerations.
What Diastolic Pressure Represents
Diastolic pressure reflects the minimum force on arterial walls during the heart’s relaxation phase, known as diastole. This is when heart chambers fill with blood and coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. Understanding this number provides insight into the constant pressure your blood vessels endure even when your heart is not actively pumping.
According to guidelines, a normal diastolic reading for most adults is less than 80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). A diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mmHg is Stage 1 hypertension, while readings of 90 mmHg or higher are Stage 2. A diastolic pressure of 120 mmHg or higher, especially with a systolic pressure of 180 mmHg or higher, constitutes a hypertensive crisis requiring immediate medical attention. Even if your systolic pressure is normal, consistently high diastolic pressure (isolated diastolic hypertension) increases the risk of cardiovascular events.
Primary Reasons for Elevated Diastolic Pressure
Lifestyle choices significantly influence diastolic blood pressure levels. A diet high in sodium and low in potassium can contribute to increased pressure, as sodium causes the body to retain fluid, thereby increasing blood volume. Lack of regular physical activity also plays a role, as a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and reduced cardiovascular fitness, both of which strain the heart and blood vessels. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are further contributors, with nicotine in cigarettes temporarily raising blood pressure and causing long-term arterial damage. Chronic stress can lead to the release of hormones that constrict blood vessels, and insufficient sleep can also negatively impact blood pressure regulation.
Several health conditions can lead to elevated diastolic pressure. Obesity is a prominent factor, as excess body weight increases the heart’s workload and can narrow blood vessels due to fat accumulation. Sleep apnea, a disorder characterized by repeated breathing interruptions during sleep, is also linked to higher diastolic readings. Kidney disease can impair the body’s ability to regulate fluids and blood pressure, while thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), can affect metabolic processes that influence blood pressure. Certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), decongestants, and some antidepressants, can also elevate blood pressure as a side effect.
Age and genetics also contribute to an individual’s blood pressure profile. While systolic pressure tends to rise with age due to arterial stiffening, diastolic pressure may remain stable or even decrease in older individuals. Genetic predisposition plays a role in blood pressure regulation, and a family history of hypertension can increase risk. Despite these inherent factors, lifestyle adjustments and addressing underlying health conditions often have a substantial impact on managing diastolic pressure.
When to Seek Medical Advice and Next Steps
If you consistently observe elevated diastolic blood pressure readings, consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can confirm readings, identify potential underlying causes, and develop a personalized management plan. They may conduct further tests, such as blood work or evaluations for conditions like sleep apnea or kidney issues, to determine the root cause.
Management often begins with recommended lifestyle modifications. Adopting a heart-healthy diet, like the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting sodium, can significantly help. Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week) is also beneficial. Stress management techniques, smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol consumption further support healthy blood pressure levels.
If lifestyle changes are insufficient or if there are additional risk factors, a doctor may prescribe medication. Always follow a doctor’s instructions for prescribed medications; never stop or adjust doses without medical guidance.