Why DBP Is High

Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the lower number in a blood pressure reading, is the pressure in your arteries when your heart muscle relaxes between beats. High DBP, or diastolic hypertension, is when your DBP is consistently 80 mm Hg or higher.

Sustained high DBP can strain your heart and blood vessels, leading to severe health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Therefore, if you have high DBP, it's essential to take steps to lower it.

Causes of High DBP

Several factors can contribute to high DBP, including:

High Blood Pressure

The most common cause of high DBP is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Hypertension occurs when the pressure in your arteries is consistently high. The exact cause of hypertension is often unknown, but several factors, including genetics, obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, can contribute to its development.

Narrowed Arteries

Atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up inside your arteries, can narrow the arteries and increase DBP.

Thyroid Problems

An overactive thyroid gland can cause high DBP by increasing your heart rate and blood volume.

Kidney Problems

Kidney disease can lead to high DBP by causing fluid retention and high levels of sodium in the blood.

Medications

Some medications, such as steroids, decongestants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can raise DBP.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, can lead to high DBP.

Symptoms of High DBP

High DBP often has no symptoms, which is why it's essential to have your blood pressure checked regularly. In some cases, high DBP can cause:

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds

Complications of High DBP

High DBP can lead to several severe complications, including:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Heart failure
• Aortic dissection
• Peripheral artery disease

Treatment for High DBP

The treatment for high DBP depends on the underlying cause. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. They may also prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure.

If you have narrowed arteries, your doctor may recommend surgery or angioplasty to open the arteries. If you have a thyroid problem, your doctor may recommend medication to control your thyroid hormone levels. If you have kidney disease, your doctor may recommend medications or dialysis to manage your condition.

Preventing High DBP

The best way to prevent high DBP is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. You should also have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors for high blood pressure, such as a family history of high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is considered high DBP?

A:

DBP is considered high when it is consistently 80 mm Hg or higher.

Q: What are the symptoms of high DBP?

A:

High DBP often has no symptoms. However, it can sometimes cause headaches, fatigue, blurred vision, chest pain, shortness of breath, and nosebleeds.

Q: What are the complications of high DBP?

A:

High DBP can lead to several severe complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, heart failure, aortic dissection, and peripheral artery disease.

Q: How can I lower my DBP?

A:

The best way to lower DBP is to follow a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may also prescribe medication.

Q: How often should I have my blood pressure checked?

A:

You should have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors for high blood pressure. Ask your doctor how often you should have your blood pressure checked.