Causes of High Diastolic Blood Pressure Readings

Blood Pressure Readings

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

When the systolic blood pressure rises to 140 mmHg 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 mmHg or higher. The following chart will help you understand high diastolic blood pressure readings:

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

High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases chances of heart diseases and strokes. High diastolic blood pressure also causes kidney diseases. Although people above the age of 35 suffer from hypertension, there may also be cases of younger people suffering from it. Older people are mostly found to be suffering from systolic blood pressure, whereas younger adults suffer from diastolic blood pressure. High diastolic blood pressure leads to heart attacks and heart failure.

Causes of High Diastolic Blood Pressure

• Obesity is one of the the most prominent causes of high diastolic blood pressure and obese people have a higher risk of 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 readings. Salty foodstuffs cause an increase in sodium levels of the blood causing 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 also increase the risk of high blood diastolic pressure.
• Damage of kidneys results in high blood pressure. Therefore, people suffering from type 2 diabetes also have high risk of having hypertension. Secondary hypertension is caused by kidney diseases.

The other causes of high diastolic blood pressure readings also include 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 leads to diastolic heart failure.

Once the causes of high diastolic blood pressure are know, it is easier to take precautionary measures to maintain 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, therefore, 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 to lower blood pressure. High diastolic blood pressure readings are detrimental to one's health, but can be avoided easily with a little care.