High diastolic blood pressure is a significant health concern affecting millions globally. Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition that influences approximately one billion adults worldwide and is a leading cause of heart-related deaths. In the United States, it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, second only to smoking in preventable deaths.
Understanding Blood Pressure/Hypertension Readings
Blood pressure is assessed using two measurements: systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure, the top number, reflects the force of blood against arterial walls when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure, the bottom number, measures the force of blood when the heart is at rest between beats.
According to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines, high diastolic blood pressure is defined as a reading of 80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher. Blood pressure is categorized as follows:
Normal: Systolic < 120 and Diastolic < 80
Elevated: Systolic 120-129 and Diastolic < 80
Stage 1 Hypertension: Systolic 130-139 or Diastolic 80-89
Stage 2 Hypertension: Consistently 140/90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis: Exceeds 180/120
A hypertensive crisis is a severe condition requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent organ damage.
Symptoms and Detection
High blood pressure often develops without noticeable symptoms. It can silently damage the body for years, making regular monitoring essential. Symptoms of very high blood pressure include headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, blurred vision, and arrhythmia. If your blood pressure reading is 180/120 or higher, especially with symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
Causes and Risk Factors
The majority of high blood pressure cases, around 85%, are classified as primary hypertension, meaning there is no identifiable cause. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, results from underlying conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, renovascular disease, or primary aldosterone.
Salt intake is a known risk factor, with 50-60% of people with high blood pressure being salt-sensitive. Genetics, age, and lifestyle also play significant roles. Risk factors within your control include:
A diet high in sodium and low in potassium
Physical inactivity
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Obesity
Diastolic blood pressure generally decreases after age 50 due to arterial stiffness.
Diagnosing high diastolic blood pressure involves measuring it with a blood pressure cuff during a medical exam. If diagnosed, regular monitoring may be recommended, possibly using a home blood pressure machine. Healthcare providers will also evaluate for conditions like narrowed aorta, heart valve disease, and kidney disease.
Medications should be taken as prescribed, and your treatment plan might need adjustments based on various factors.
Complications and Prevention
Unchecked high diastolic blood pressure can lead to severe complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, vision changes, sexual dysfunction, and peripheral artery disease. Long-term damage to blood vessels can result in plaque buildup and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for preventing high blood pressure. Recommendations include:
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is highly effective in managing blood pressure. It emphasizes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while minimizing sugar, sodium, and saturated fat.
By understanding and managing high diastolic blood pressure through lifestyle changes and medical treatment, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of serious health complications and improve overall well-being.
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