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Low diastolic blood pressure can be caused by various factors, including dehydration, heart conditions, and pregnancy. It can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and weakness, and in severe cases, hypovolemic shock. Medical attention may be necessary for prolonged symptoms.
Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood moving through the circulatory system. A blood pressure reading is made up of force measurements at two distinct intervals: when the heart is pumping, called the systolic pressure, and when the heart is at rest between beats, called the diastolic pressure. Low diastolic blood pressure can be caused by many factors, some temporary and some chronic. Low diastolic blood pressure is usually defined by a diastolic reading below 60 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
It’s important to understand that blood pressure varies slightly throughout the day. Eating, exercising, and even sleeping can temporarily raise or lower blood pressure. Low diastolic blood pressure becomes a problem when it is significantly lower than a normal reading of 80 mmHg or when it remains low for an extended period of time. Even so, low diastolic blood pressure may be related to temporary conditions that will correct themselves naturally.
Early pregnancy is a common cause of low diastolic blood pressure. According to some studies, women in the first two trimesters of pregnancy can drop about 10 mmHg below normal due to the rapid expansion of the bloodstream. Usually, the pressure will rise during the last trimester and return to normal after birth. Pregnant women with blood pressure that is unusually or significantly lower than normal may be at risk of dizziness, fainting and falls, and are therefore closely monitored.
Dehydration is a common cause of low blood pressure and can be due to lower than average fluid intake or the effects of certain medications, such as diuretics. Reducing fluid in the body decreases blood volume, lowering its ability to circulate effectively. Sudden and severe dehydration, such as strenuous exercise while already somewhat dehydrated, can lead to a condition known as hypovolemic shock, in which blood pressure drops rapidly and severely and can lead to death within minutes if not treated quickly .
Heart conditions that slow or weaken the heart rate may play a role in the development of chronic low diastolic blood pressure. Some conditions associated with this risk include damaged heart valves or a history of heart attacks. Some people may also simply have a lower than normal heart rate, called bradycardia, which can cause low diastolic blood pressure.
Symptoms of low diastolic blood pressure can include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, feeling faint when you change body position, and weakness in your arms and legs. In some cases, low diastolic blood pressure can be the result of a serious viral or bacterial infection and needs to be treated immediately by medical professionals. If symptoms of low blood pressure appear for a long time, a visit to a doctor for an examination may be recommended.
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