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Understanding High Diastolic Blood Pressure
What is Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Diastolic blood pressure, often referred to as the "bottom number" in a blood pressure reading, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. This is contrasted with systolic blood pressure, the "top number," which measures the pressure when the heart beats and pumps blood1 2.
Significance of High Diastolic Blood Pressure
High diastolic blood pressure, or diastolic hypertension, is a condition where the diastolic pressure is elevated. A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg, with the diastolic number being 80 mmHg. Blood pressure is considered high when it reaches 130/80 mmHg or greater2. Both systolic and diastolic pressures are crucial for diagnosing and managing hypertension, as they can fluctuate based on various factors such as time of day and physical activity1.
Health Risks Associated with High Diastolic Blood Pressure
Elevated diastolic blood pressure is a significant health concern as it can lead to various cardiovascular complications. Recent studies have shown that even with extensive use of antihypertensive therapies, patients with high cardiovascular risk, such as the elderly, diabetics, and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, often do not achieve a reduction in major cardiovascular events below a certain threshold. This suggests a "ceiling effect" where the benefits of lowering blood pressure may plateau3.
Managing High Diastolic Blood Pressure
Effective management of high diastolic blood pressure involves regular monitoring and a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Given that blood pressure can vary throughout the day, multiple readings may be necessary to make informed decisions about treatment1. Additionally, comprehensive treatment plans often include lipid-lowering and antiplatelet therapies alongside antihypertensive medications to address the overall cardiovascular risk3.
Conclusion
High diastolic blood pressure is a critical component of hypertension that requires careful monitoring and management. Understanding its implications and the potential limitations of treatment can help in devising more effective strategies to reduce cardiovascular risks. Regular check-ups and a holistic approach to therapy are essential in managing this condition effectively.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy.
Pregnant women with high blood pressure should have their blood pressure measured at least once a week during pregnancy.
Hypertension
Hypertension is abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. As the heart beats, it forces blood through the arteries to deliver nutrients and oxygen to the rest of the body. The strength of the blood pushing against the artery walls is blood pressure, which is measured in units called millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The top number in a blood pressure reading is the pressure when the heart pumps (systolic blood pressure), and the bottom number is the pressure between heart beats (diastolic blood pressure). In adults, a normal blood pressure measurement is about 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure is considered high when the measurement is 130/80 mmHg or greater.
Rigorous JournalBottom blood pressure or bottom cardiovascular risk? How far can cardiovascular risk be reduced?
In high-risk patients, lowering blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg is not enough to achieve a bottom level of cardiovascular risk, and waiting until risk is high blunts the full benefits of interventions.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous Journal
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Taking your blood pressure Blood pressure is often checked by putting a wide band, called a cuff, around your upper arm. Air is pumped into the cuff. Your blood pressure is measured as the air is let out of the cuff. Blood pressure is one number over a second number. You may hear your doctor say 110 over 72 (110/72), for example. • The top number is higher and is called the systolic reading. It is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart pumps. • The bottom number is lower and is called the diastolic reading. It is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart rests between beats.
Hypertension knowledge, awareness, and attitudes in a hypertensive population
Patients with hypertension have adequate knowledge of the condition, but need better education on the importance of elevated systolic blood pressure levels and their current blood pressure control.
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From 1975 to 2015, the highest worldwide blood pressure levels have shifted to central and eastern Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and south Asia, with the global increase in the number of adults with raised blood pressure largely in low-income and middle-income countries.
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The new guideline for treating high blood pressure in adults emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle and emphasizes the need for medication along with a low-salt diet and exercise.
Untreated hypertension can lead to memory loss by cutting down on blood flow to the brain
Untreated hypertension can lead to memory loss by cutting down on blood flow to the brain.
High blood pressure and kidney disease.
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Genetic Predisposition to High Blood Pressure and Lifestyle Factors: Associations With Midlife Blood Pressure Levels and Cardiovascular Events
A healthy lifestyle can lower blood pressure and cardiovascular events, regardless of genetic risk, supporting population-wide efforts to lower blood pressure.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHighly Cited