Diastolic blood pressure

Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. This is the time when the heart fills with blood and gets oxygen. This is what you feel as a "lub-DUB" beat. If someone's diastolic blood pressure is too high, it means their heart isn't getting enough oxygen.

Overview

The diastolic blood pressure number or the bottom number indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. A normal diastolic blood pressure number is less than 80. A diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 indicates prehypertension, and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 or higher is considered high.

Causes

High diastolic blood pressure can be caused by various factors including obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, too much salt in the diet, too much alcohol consumption, stress, older age, genetics, family history of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, adrenal and thyroid disorders, and sleep apnea.

Symptoms

Often, high diastolic blood pressure does not cause symptoms. However, some people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds.

Treatment

Treatment for high diastolic blood pressure includes lifestyle changes such as eating a healthier diet with less salt, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Medications may also be prescribed by a healthcare provider.

See Also

• Hypertension
• Blood pressure
• Systolic blood pressure

References

Diastolic blood pressure Resources
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