Diastolic Blood Pressure

What it is

Blood pressure is a measurement of the force that your blood exerts against the walls of your arteries as it circulates around your body. It’s typically given as two numbers, for example, 120/80 mmHg. The top number is the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. So, in the example of 120/80 mmHg, your diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg. This measurement reflects the pressure in your arteries when your heart muscle is refilling with blood.

Why it matters

Maintaining healthy blood pressure is crucial for overall well-being. Consistently high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can put extra strain on your heart and blood vessels over time. This can increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and problems with your eyesight. Similarly, very low blood pressure, or hypotension, can sometimes lead to symptoms like dizziness or fainting, and in some cases, may indicate an underlying issue that needs attention. The diastolic number is an important part of the overall picture of your cardiovascular health.

What can cause it to be high or low

Several factors can influence your diastolic blood pressure.

Factors that can be associated with higher diastolic blood pressure include:

• Age: Blood vessel elasticity can change with age, which can affect blood pressure.
• Family history: A history of high blood pressure in your family can increase your likelihood.
• Weight: Being overweight or obese is often linked to higher blood pressure.
• Diet: A diet high in salt and low in potassium can contribute to elevated blood pressure.
• Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact blood pressure.
• Stress: Chronic stress can have a role in raising blood pressure.
• Certain medical conditions: Conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems can affect blood pressure.
• Medications: Some medications can have side effects that influence blood pressure.

Factors that can be associated with lower diastolic blood pressure include:

• Dehydration: Not having enough fluids in your body can lower blood pressure.
• Certain medications: Some drugs, particularly those for high blood pressure, can cause blood pressure to drop.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as heart problems, endocrine issues (like problems with your adrenal glands), or severe infections (sepsis) can lead to low blood pressure.
• Blood loss: Significant bleeding can cause a drop in blood pressure.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of certain vitamins, like vitamin B12 or folate, can sometimes be a factor.

It's important to remember that blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day and can be influenced by temporary factors like exercise or anxiety.

Lifestyle factors that may help

Making certain lifestyle adjustments can be beneficial for managing blood pressure. Discussing these with your GP can help you understand what might be most suitable for you.

• Healthy Eating: Focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting processed foods, saturated fats, and excessive salt intake, is often recommended.
• Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can support healthy blood pressure levels.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: If you are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can make a difference.
• Limiting Alcohol Intake: Consuming alcohol in moderation, if at all, is generally advised.
• Managing Stress: Exploring stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing exercises might be helpful.
• Quitting Smoking: If you smoke, stopping can have significant benefits for your cardiovascular health.

Questions to discuss with your GP

• What is my current diastolic blood pressure reading, and what does it mean in the context of my overall health?
• Are there any specific lifestyle changes you would recommend for me to help manage my blood pressure?
• Could my current medications or any underlying health conditions be affecting my diastolic blood pressure?
• What are the potential long-term implications of my current diastolic blood pressure reading?
• How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
• Are there any other tests or monitoring that might be beneficial for me?