Diastolic blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart is at rest. A reading above 90 is considered high and can indicate narrowed and hardened arteries. Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet, are recommended to lower blood pressure, and medication may be prescribed if necessary. High diastolic blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.
Blood pressure is the force of blood against artery walls. Diastolic blood pressure is the measure of this force as the heart rests between beats. A high diastolic blood pressure is considered to be any reading above 90. Often, people who have high diastolic blood pressure have narrowed and hardened arteries.
Blood pressure comes from two forces. One is how hard the heart pumps blood. The second is the arteries as they resist blood flow.
Blood pressure is typically measured with a sphygmomanometer, which consists of an inflatable cuff and a measuring tool. Originally, blood pressure was measured with mercury, which is why blood pressure measurements are expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHG). Manual blood pressure monitors are used in conjunction with a stethoscope, but many blood pressure machines are automatic.
In a blood pressure measurement, the diastolic measurement is the second, lowest number, and the highest number represents the systolic pressure, the pressure when the heart pumps blood. For example, in a typical blood pressure reading of 120/70 mmHg, the systolic blood pressure is 120 and the diastolic blood pressure is 70. If a person’s second number is regularly above 90, this indicates they have an elevated diastolic blood pressure, a type of hypertension. A diastolic number between 80 and 90 is considered a sign of prehypertension. People who have an elevated diastolic blood pressure often also have an elevated systolic reading.
Diastolic blood pressure can change throughout the day based on posture, exercise, stress level, nicotine use, and other factors. An elevated diastolic blood pressure reading is not necessarily an indicator of overall elevated diastolic blood pressure. It is best to use several blood pressure readings to get an average blood pressure.
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, but symptoms related to extremely high blood pressure can include drowsiness, nausea, confusion, headache, vision problems, and difficulty breathing. High diastolic blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. This is especially true in young adults.
Doctors often recommend that patients make lifestyle changes to lower blood pressure. These changes usually include exercise; quit smoking, if the patient smokes; and drink less alcohol. Doctors also often suggest changing your diet to include more fruits and vegetables and less fat and sodium. If these changes do not reduce the patient’s diastolic blood pressure, medications may be prescribed.
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