what is the diastolic blood pressure reading

High Diastolic Blood Pressure Explained: What You Need to Know and How to Manage It

High Diastolic Blood Pressure

What is the diastolic blood pressure reading? Many people focus only on the top number of their blood pressure reading and ignore the bottom number. Both numbers are important, and ignoring high diastolic blood pressure can lead to serious health issues.

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When checking your blood pressure, if the top number is low but the bottom number is high, there’s a good chance both numbers will eventually become high. I’m going to explain what high diastolic blood pressure is, what causes it, the serious consequences it can have, and how to lower it.

What is dystolic blood pressure?

Diastolic blood pressure is the second or lower number in your blood pressure reading. It’s the pressure on your artery walls when your heart is resting between beats.

When is Diastolic Blood Pressure Considered High?

• If your diastolic number is 80 to 89, it means you have high blood pressure stage 1. Doctors may suggest lifestyle changes and, possibly, medication.
• If your diastolic number is 90 or higher, it means you have high blood pressure stage 2. Doctors will likely suggest a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.
• If your diastolic number is higher than 120, it is in the hypertensive crisis range.

What causes high diastolic blood pressure?

• Unchangeable Factors:
  • Age: The likelihood of having high blood pressure increases with age.
  • Family History: If your immediate family has high blood pressure, you’re more likely to have it too.
  • Gender: Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure up to age 60, while women are more likely to develop it at age 65 and older.
  • Race: Some racial backgrounds are more prone to high blood pressure.

• Changeable Factors:

  • Stress
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Obesity
  • High cholesterol
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Excess alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Sleep problems

What Can Happen if High Diastolic Blood Pressure Isn’t Lowered?

• If you have a high diastolic number and a normal systolic number, your risk of developing high systolic blood pressure increases.
• Studies show that for every 10 mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure in people aged 40 to 89, the risk of death from stroke and heart disease doubles.
• Other consequences include heart attack and cardiovascular disease.

How to Lower Diastolic Blood Pressure Naturally

• Nutrition: Eat skinless chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts (like almonds and pecans), and whole grains (like oatmeal and brown rice). Eat foods high in magnesium, such as spinach, Swiss chard, and pumpkin seeds.
• Physical Activity: Get regular exercise every day for 20 to 30 minutes. It doesn’t have to be strenuous; you can take walks around your neighborhood, in the park, or at the mall.
• Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation methods like warm baths, listening to soothing music, meditation, yoga, pressure points, and breathing exercises.

Conclusion

High diastolic blood pressure is a serious condition that should not be ignored. Both numbers in your blood pressure reading are important, and focusing only on the top number can lead to missing critical health information.

If your diastolic blood pressure is high, it’s important to take action to lower it, either through lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both.

By understanding the causes of high diastolic blood pressure and making healthy choices like eating nutritious foods, staying active, and practicing relaxation techniques, you can manage and reduce your blood pressure. Taking these steps can significantly lower your risk of serious health issues such as stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular disease.

Stay informed, take care of your health, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if you have concerns about your blood pressure. Thank you for watching, and remember to subscribe for more videos on blood pressure and health.

FAQs

1. What is diastolic blood pressure? Diastolic blood pressure is the second, lower number in your blood pressure reading. It measures the pressure on your artery walls when your heart is resting between beats.

2. What is considered high diastolic blood pressure?

• 80-89: High blood pressure stage 1
• 90 or higher: High blood pressure stage 2
• Higher than 120: Hypertensive crisis

3. What causes high diastolic blood pressure?

• Unchangeable Factors: Age, family history, gender, race
• Changeable Factors: Stress, lack of physical activity, obesity, high cholesterol, unhealthy diet, excess alcohol, smoking, sleep problems

4. What are the risks of high diastolic blood pressure? High diastolic blood pressure can increase your risk of developing high systolic blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular disease.

5. How can I lower my diastolic blood pressure naturally?

• Nutrition: Eat healthy foods like skinless chicken, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
• Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise for 20 to 30 minutes daily.
• Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation methods such as warm baths, soothing music, meditation, yoga, pressure points, and breathing exercises.

6. Should I be concerned if my diastolic number is high but my systolic number is low? Yes, even if your systolic number is low, a high diastolic number can still pose health risks and should be addressed.

7. When should I see a doctor about my blood pressure? If your diastolic number is consistently above 80, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. Immediate medical attention is required if it’s above 120.

8. Can lifestyle changes alone control high diastolic blood pressure? In many cases, lifestyle changes can significantly impact blood pressure. However, some people may also need medication based on their individual risk factors.

9. How often should I check my blood pressure? It’s generally recommended to check your blood pressure at least once a year during routine health visits. In case you have hypertension, your physician could suggest more regular monitoring.

10. What is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure?

• Systolic: The top number, measuring the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
• Diastolic: The bottom number, measuring the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.