If you are frequently experiencing confusion, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations, you may be dealing with low diastolic blood pressure. But what does this condition refer to, and what are the main symptoms to be aware of? Is there a way to prevent it? What causes low diastolic blood pressure anyway? If you are looking for the answers to these questions and more, you have landed on the right article. In this expert overview of low diastolic blood pressure, you will learn about the most common symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment possibilities for the condition.
That said, we always recommend consulting a trained healthcare specialist for expert advice. If you are in the area, check out an internal medicine specialist in Hialeah, Florida. These professionals will help get your health back on track, guaranteeing positive results every time.
If that sounds good, check out the facts about low diastolic blood pressure.
What is Low Diastolic Blood Pressure?
The force inside the blood vessels when the heart beats and relaxes is called blood pressure. We measure blood pressure in mm Hg or millimeters of mercury, representing two different numbers. The upper number is the systolic pressure, which is measured when the heart beats. Whereas the lower number is diastolic pressure, and it is measured when the heart relaxes between each beat. Individuals with high blood pressure are at risk of stroke or heart disease. However, individuals with low blood pressure are also at risk of health complications.
In medical terms, low blood pressure is referred to as hypotension. Individuals with hypotension have a systolic pressure measurement under 90mm Hg. Besides that, the diastolic number is below 60 mm Hg. According to doctors, having diastolic blood pressure under 60 can be concerning.
Some patients may experience low diastolic pressure even if the systolic pressure is normal. In these cases, we refer to the condition as isolated diastolic hypotension. People with this type of condition are at high risk of heart disease.
The muscles of the heart get blood when the heart is relaxing. This is different from the rest of the body, which is supplied by blood when the heart is pumping. Patients with low diastolic blood pressure do not receive sufficient oxygenated blood to the heart muscles. As a result, diastolic heart failure or the weakening of the heart may occur. Patients suffering from coronary heart disease (the narrowing of the heart arteries) are at higher risk of heart failure.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, contact us at Carreras medical center. We will evaluate your health and provide you with the best treatments.
What is Isolated Diastolic Hypotension?
Despite having normal systolic pressure, some patients can experience low diastolic pressure. In these cases, the condition is isolated diastolic hypotension. Some of the most common symptoms of isolated diastolic hypotension include falls, dizziness, and tiredness. Unfortunately, the treatments for isolated diastolic hypotension are more complex than the ones for general hypotension. For instance, patients taking alpha-blockers will need to consult a doctor for another high blood pressure medication.
What Causes Low Diastolic Blood Pressure?
There are several causes for this condition, mainly medication use and lifestyle choices. However, some medical conditions, such as dehydration and heart problems, can also contribute to health complications. What causes low diastolic blood pressure? Here are the most common causes.
- Lifestyle: With age, people lose artery elasticity. For some older individuals, the arteries can become very stiff and unable to spring back between heartbeats. As a result, the diastolic blood pressure may become low.
- Medications: Some medications like alpha-blockers can cause the blood vessels to dilate or open up. Since alpha-blockers do not have the same effect on systolic pressure as they do on diastolic pressure, they can lead to isolated diastolic hypotension. Some brand names that cause isolated diastolic hypotension include Cardura and Minipress.
On top of that, here are some common causes of overall low blood pressure.
- Medical conditions: Individuals with health issues such as heart problems like bradycardia (slow heart rate) are at high risk of hypotension. Moreover, people who do not drink enough water can have dangerously low blood pressure levels. This is typically the case if the patient takes a diuretic or loses a significant amount of fluids.
What causes low diastolic blood pressure? In some people, certain medications such as antidepressants, Parkinson’s disease medications, diuretics or water pills, and drugs for erectile dysfunction can contribute to the condition. Make sure to talk to a licensed healthcare specialist for expert evaluation.
What Are the Low Diastolic Blood Pressure Symptoms?
The symptoms of this health condition vary, but typically they include feeling tired, dizzy, and faint. You may also experience nausea and blurred vision. If you notice any of the mentioned low diastolic blood pressure symptoms, seek out immediate medical help.
Remember, not everyone experiences the same symptoms. For instance, one patient may experience nausea, while the other will report another related sign. Listen to your body and call your healthcare provider if you or a loved one experiences low diastolic blood pressure symptoms.
Ways to Prevent Low Diastolic Blood Pressure Symptoms
The good news is that treatment is possible and widely available for patients. Nevertheless, your treatment options will vary depending on the hypotension type you are diagnosed with. Again, talk to a healthcare professional for expert advice and guidance on the treatments for isolated diastolic hypotension.
Here are some treatment methods that may be suitable for you, depending on your diagnosis.
- General hypotension: The treatment for this type of hypotension will depend on the root cause. For instance, the doctor may advise changing or adjusting your medications. Your doctor will monitor your diastolic blood pressure and ensure it is between 60 mm and 90 mm Hg. If the condition is caused by dehydration, you may need to be treated with fluid replacement. Some patients may require medications to boost blood pressure.
- Isolated diastolic hypotension: Treating general hypotension is typically easier than treating isolated diastolic hypotension. Patients who are taking alpha-blockers will get different medications for high blood pressure. If you are experiencing isolated low diastolic pressure and you are not taking medication, your doctor may suggest regular checkups to monitor your health. On the downside, there are no medications available for isolated diastolic hypotension treatment.
How to Increase Diastolic Blood Pressure?
Adhering to the following prevention tips will improve your health and quality of life. Learning how to increase diastolic blood pressure will help you prevent health complications. Here are some of the easiest and fool-proof ways you can do it:
- Hydrate properly and avoid alcoholic beverages (as these can increase the risk of dehydration)
- Consume a heart-healthy diet full of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fatty fish, lean meats, and other quality protein sources. Avoid greasy and processed foods.
- Be physically active and begin an exercise regime. Consult a doctor if you have other health conditions or if this is your first time implementing a workout routine.
- Maintain or lose weight (if you are overweight). Talk to a nutritionist for a custom-tailored weight loss and nutrition plan.
- Avoid tobacco use.
- Adjust your salt intake to between 1.5 to 4 grams daily. Ideally, salt intake should be around 3.5 grams every day. Check food labels for “hidden” salt content.
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