Diastolic hypertension taken seriously

Diastolic hypertension taken seriously

For blood pressure patients wondering what these numbers mean when receiving blood pressure readings, here is an explanation. When measuring blood pressure, two numbers are observed (e.g. 140/90). 140 stands for systolic pressure, 90 is diastolic pressure. A normal systolic pressure should not exceed 140, and a normal diastolic pressure should not exceed 90. An increase in either pressure can spell disaster.

Systolic hypertension is different from diastolic hypertension. The former is characterized by a sudden increase in blood pressure as the heart contracts.

Diastolic hypertension, on the other hand, refers to the blood pressure between muscle contractions. Doctors and medical experts have stated that diastolic high blood pressure should be taken seriously and that it causes more harm to the body than systolic high blood pressure. In recent studies, people under the age of 65 or 70 who were diagnosed with high blood pressure reported increased cases of diastolic hypertension. This higher rate of diastolic pressure causes adverse effects on the brain, heart and kidney. Patients with diastolic hypertension are advised to lower diastolic pressure by keeping it below 90. Systolic pressure must also be reduced, although diastolic pressure is the top priority.

Causes of diastolic high blood pressure include aging of the heart and its natural effects. As a person ages, their heart muscles tire and eventually stiffen, making it harder for the heart to adequately replenish blood. Diastolic high blood pressure, if not well managed, can lead to diastolic heart failure. A diagnosis of diastolic hypertension can put the patient at risk for diseases such as CAD or coronary artery disease, aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other pericardial diseases.

In addition to aging, poor lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking, high cholesterol, obesity, high salt consumption, previous heart surgery, viral infections, family history and diabetes also contribute to the occurrence of diastolic hypertension.

Studies questioning the severity of diastolic hypertension have also been conducted over the past 30 years. The latest issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that there is a strong urge to control systolic pressure rather than diastolic pressure in patients with hypertension. With diastolic high blood pressure, there is only a small risk of other cardiovascular diseases.

In special cases of hypertension, systolic hypertension is more common than diastolic hypertension in elderly patients. Your blood vessels have deteriorated, causing an increase in systolic pressure. Patients with this condition are advised to lower and maintain their systolic pressure.

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