Causes of High Diastolic Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of arteries. A sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure. Blood pressure readings have two numbers: the greater number (which is on the top) is known as the systolic blood pressure reading; while the lower or the number written at the bottom, is known as diastolic blood pressure reading. For e.g., normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg (or millimeters of mercury), where 120 mm Hg is the systolic blood pressure and 80 mm Hg is diastolic blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted when the heart muscles contract. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure exerted when the heart muscles relax.

Depending on the readings, or rather numbers, of blood pressure, it can be diagnosed whether a person has a normal blood pressure, has a high or low blood pressure. Extreme high or low blood pressure is dangerous and can give rise to several life-threatening disorders. Here is the blood pressure readings chart and also information on the causes of high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Readings

When the systolic blood pressure rises to 140 mm Hg or above, a person is said to suffer from systolic high blood pressure. Diastolic high blood pressure is when the blood pressure rises to 90 mm Hg or higher. The following chart will help you understand high diastolic blood pressure readings:

Blood Pressure	Systolic Blood Pressure	Diastolic Blood Pressure
Normal	120 mm Hg	80 mm Hg
Pre-hypertension	120-140 mm Hg	80-100 mm Hg
Hypertension	140 mm Hg and higher	100 mm Hg and higher

High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases chances of heart diseases and stroke. High diastolic blood pressure can also cause kidney diseases. Although hypertension is common in people above 35 years of age, there are even chances of younger people suffering from it. Older people mostly suffer from systolic blood pressure, whereas younger adults suffer from diastolic blood pressure. High diastolic blood pressure leads to heart attack and heart failure.

Causes of High Diastolic Blood Pressure

• Obesity is one of the most prominent causes of high diastolic blood pressure; and hence, obese people are at a higher risk of suffering from hypertension, than people with normal weight. The excess fat and cholesterol in the body exerts more pressure on the arteries resulting in high diastolic blood pressure.
• Having an irregular diet containing a high level of cholesterol and salts is also one of the major causes of high blood pressure. Salty foodstuffs increase the sodium levels of the blood leading to high diastolic blood pressure.
• Smoking and alcoholism have also been observed as causes of high diastolic blood pressure. Heavy drinkers, prominently women, suffer from high diastolic blood pressure. Similarly, drugs and excess caffeine increase the risk of high diastolic blood pressure.
• Damage of kidneys lead to high blood pressure. Therefore, people suffering from type 2 diabetes have high risk of suffering from hypertension. Secondary hypertension can also be caused due to kidney diseases.

The other causes of high diastolic blood pressure readings include old age, low birth weight, lifestyle, stress, depression, etc. A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to high blood pressure. Systolic hypertension is more common than diastolic hypertension; but high diastolic blood pressure should not be ignored as it can lead to diastolic heart failure.

Once the causes of high diastolic blood pressure are known, it is easier to take precautionary measures to avoid them, and maintain a normal blood pressure. In order to prevent these risks, one should have a balanced diet and also exercise regularly. Healthy eating will help in reducing weight, and consequently, reduce the risk of high blood pressure. It is always advisable to reduce or quit smoking and alcohol consumption. Following the advice of your doctor is essential in order to lower blood pressure. High diastolic blood pressure readings are detrimental to one's health, but can be avoided easily by following these preventive measures. Take care!