High Diastolic Blood Pressure
Our blood pressure readings are indicators of our overall health, and readings of high diastolic blood pressure could be giving information that is crucial to know.
Blood pressure is measured by the placement of a fabric cuff on the upper arm. Attached to the cuff is a gauge that is read by the professional administering the test. Air is pumped into the cuff, causing it to constrict around the forearm. As the air is released, numbers are registered on the gauge and noted on your medical file by the professional. Two separate numbers are indicated by this test: the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure.
Blood pressure readings are shown in the same fashion as a numerical fraction; one number placed on top of the other, separated by a line. The top number is always the systolic pressure, which measures the amount of pressure exerted on arteries by blood flow during a beat of the heart. The bottom number is the diastolic pressure, measuring the amount of pressure exerted on arteries by blood flow between heart beats. There are many scenarios; high systolic and low diastolic or high systolic and high diastolic blood pressure, or even low systolic and low diastolic, each with their own meanings to health issues.
High diastolic blood pressure is considered to be a number higher than 80. A reading between 80 and 89 may be an indicator of problems and is termed as borderline high diastolic blood pressure or pre-hypertension. The next rung on the health ladder is a reading over 90, which will most likely require medication to lower the number. Bringing this number down will reduce health risks in the future.
Generally speaking, if an individual has a high systolic reading, they will probably have a high diastolic blood pressure reading also. Occasionally, however, the bottom reading remains moderate even as the systolic reading rises; a condition seen most often in older adults.
Health risks that may ensue as a result of non-treated high diastolic blood pressure are heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and heart failure. The pressure can be reduced without medication in some cases through a healthy diet, regular exercise and cessation of smoking. In other cases, medication may be required to control the pressure to a moderate level.
There may be extenuating circumstances resulting in a high diastolic blood pressure. Certain ailments or stressful situations occasionally encountered could temporarily result in spikes of these numbers, but are not necessarily a situation with which to be concerned. If the number remains consistently high, action should be taken.
Being aware of your ideal blood pressure is an important factor in controlling your health. If you encounter a high diastolic blood pressure reading, your knowledge of the reasons and facts behind the rise could be lifesaving.