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Pressure during the resting phase between heartbeats
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- The two blood pressure numbers measure the heart at work and rest. Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts to pump blood throughout the body. The higher the number, the harder the heart works to pump blood. Diastolic pressure is the pressure during the resting phase between heartbeats.
www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/a-look-at-diastolic-blood-pressure
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What is diastolic pressure & IDH?
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What is systolic blood pressure?
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What is a normal blood pressure systolic number?
What is the highest systolic pressure?
Diastolic blood pressure. The second number, or bottom number, is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats. Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). If the first number is 120 and the second number is 80, this would be written as 120/80mmHg, and you’d call it ‘120 over 80’.
diastolic pressure – the pressure when your heart rests between beats and blood is pushed around your heart. The highest number is always the systolic pressure and it's always given first. For example, a blood pressure given as "120 over 80" or 120/80mmHg means a systolic pressure of 120mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 80mmHg.
- Overview
- Causes
- Risk factors
- Health risks
- Treatment
- When to consult a doctor
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
High diastolic blood pressure is a type of hypertension. Doctors do not know precisely why it happens, but obesity, high triglyceride levels, smoking, and alcohol may contribute.
Doctors describe blood pressure using two measures: systolic and diastolic pressure. They present a reading with the systolic number appearing above the diastolic. Systolic measures the pressure during the heart’s contraction, while diastolic is the pressure in the period between heartbeats.
Many people put a lot of emphasis on the systolic number. However, studies show that each increase of 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) in diastolic pressure in people ages 40–89 years doubles the risk of heart disease or stroke.
Doctors define isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH), or high diastolic blood pressure, as above 80 mm Hg in individuals with normal systolic blood pressure.
If an individual has hypertension, they have an increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
However, if an individual has elevated diastolic blood pressure, they have IDH. Doctors classify stage 1 IDH as a diastolic blood pressure of 80–89 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure. They classify stage 2 IDH as diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg.
Learn more about blood pressure readings.
IDH is uncommon and accounts for less than 20% of hypertension cases.
Doctors do not understand why an individual may develop diastolic hypertension. They suggest it may result from the narrowing of arterioles due to hormones in the body.
Common causes of IDH include:
There are certain risk factors for high diastolic blood pressure that a person cannot control.
They include:
•Age: Diastolic hypertension is common in people under 50 years of age. IDH is rare in older adults.
•Family history: Having family members with hypertension increases an individual’s risk of IDH.
•Cardiovascular events: If an individual has experienced an incident that damaged the heart muscle, this increases their risk of IDH.
•Diabetes: People with diabetes and raised blood sugar levels may be more likely to develop IDH.
If an individual has normal systolic blood pressure, lowering the diastolic blood pressure can affect the brain’s blood flow regulation, leading to a stroke.
According to a study, researchers associated IDH with an increased risk of subsequent cardiovascular events.
IDH increases an individual’s risk of various health conditions, including:
•heart disease
•heart attack
•heart failure
Reducing diastolic blood pressure may cause heart problems, particularly in young individuals with normal systolic blood pressure. Therefore, in this group, doctors may opt not to treat IDH.
IDH is uncommon in older adults, but doctors may choose a nonsurgical approach if they diagnose IDH. The best approach is for doctors to treat older adults depending on their underlying cardiovascular disease.
Medication options for IDH include:
•calcium channel blockers
•angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
•angiotensin receptor blockers
If someone monitors their blood pressure at home and does not see lower readings despite implementing lifestyle changes, they should contact a medical professional. Doctors can help determine the underlying cause of their high blood pressure.
A person should seek immediate medical attention if they have two readings of 180/120 mm Hg or higher within 5 minutes, especially if they are experiencing a headache or nosebleed.
What does it mean if my diastolic blood pressure is high?
High diastolic blood pressure increases a person’s heart disease and stroke risk. It means an increase in pressure in the cardiovascular system between heartbeats, which can impair oxygen delivery to the heart muscles.
Should I worry if my diastolic is high?
Doctors do not associate increased diastolic blood pressure with cardiovascular events in younger individuals. However, increases in diastolic pressure in those ages 40–89 years raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, individuals should work with a doctor to find suitable treatment options and improve their outlook.
What is the best way to lower diastolic blood pressure?
Doctors can recommend lifestyle interventions, medication, and surgery if necessary to treat high diastolic blood pressure. It is best to consult a medical professional if a person believes their blood pressure is too high.
Diastolic pressure is the bottom number of a blood pressure reading.
IDH occurs if someone has elevated diastolic blood pressure, increasing a person’s risk of heart disease and stroke.
Smoking, consuming alcohol, obesity, and high blood fat may lead to IDH. Additionally, certain groups of people have an increased risk of IDH, including younger males and people with diabetes or previous cardiovascular events.
High diastolic blood pressure is rare in younger people, and doctors may not treat this group. They may recommend treatment in older individuals based on their current heart health status.
Apr 1, 2022 · The bottom (diastolic) number in blood pressure plays an essential role in heart health. Diastolic pressure is the pressure during the resting phase between heartbeats, as coronary vessels supply oxygen to the heart muscle. It’s important to keep the number low, but not too low.
- hhp_info@health.harvard.edu
Feb 27, 2024 · What do blood pressure numbers mean? Two numbers make up your blood pressure reading. The top number measures your systolic blood pressure and the bottom number measures your diastolic blood pressure.
Jul 11, 2023 · Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number and refers to the amount of pressure in the arteries while the heart is resting in between heartbeats. For example, a blood pressure reading considered normal for most healthy adults is usually below 120/80, which is reported as “120 over 80.”
Mar 3, 2023 · What Does the Diastolic Blood Pressure Number Mean? The diastolic reading, or the bottom number, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
