WHY WOULD DBP BE HIGH?

Understanding Your Blood Pressure Measurements

When blood pressure is measured, it is given as two numbers. The higher number (systolic blood pressure) is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. The lower number (diastolic blood pressure) is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. The difference between the two numbers is called the pulse pressure.

DBP, or diastolic blood pressure, is the lower number in a blood pressure reading. It measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is relaxed. DBP is typically lower than systolic blood pressure, or SBP, which measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is beating.

What Is High Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP)?

There are a couple of different terms to describe parameters of High Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP).

High Blood Pressure (or Hypertension)

You’re considered to have high blood pressure if your blood pressure is consistently 130/80 mmHg or higher.

Systolic Hypertension

Sometimes, only your systolic blood pressure is high, while your diastolic blood pressure is normal. This is called isolated systolic hypertension. It’s more common in older adults.

Isolated Diastolic Hypertension

Isolated diastolic hypertension is a less common condition. It happens when your diastolic blood pressure is high, but your systolic blood pressure is normal. Isolated diastolic hypertension can occur in younger adults and children. It’s also more common in African Americans.

Prehypertension

You’re considered to have prehypertension if your blood pressure is consistently between 120/80 mmHg and 139/89 mmHg. Prehypertension is a warning sign that you’re at risk of developing high blood pressure.

Causes of High Diastolic Blood Pressure

There are a number of things that can cause high diastolic blood pressure, including:

Medical Conditions

• Chronic kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Heart failure
• Hyperthyroidism
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea

Medications

• Birth control pills
• Decongestants
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroids

Lifestyle Factors

• Alcohol consumption
• High-sodium diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking

Other Factors

• Age
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Race/ethnicity

Symptoms of High Diastolic Blood Pressure

High diastolic blood pressure often doesn't cause any symptoms. However, some people may experience:

Headaches

Dizziness

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Blurred vision

Nausea

Vomiting

Complications of High Diastolic Blood Pressure

High diastolic blood pressure can lead to several complications, including:

Heart attack

Stroke

Kidney failure

Dementia

Eye damage

Treating High Diastolic Blood Pressure

The treatment for high diastolic blood pressure depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, simply making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, can be enough to lower blood pressure. In other cases, medication may be necessary.

Preventing High Diastolic Blood Pressure

There are a number of things you can do to prevent high diastolic blood pressure, including:

Maintaining a healthy weight

Eating a healthy diet

Exercising regularly

Limiting alcohol consumption

Quitting smoking

Managing stress

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of high diastolic blood pressure?

High diastolic blood pressure often doesn't cause any symptoms. However, some people may experience headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting.

What are the complications of high diastolic blood pressure?

High diastolic blood pressure can lead to a number of complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, dementia, and eye damage.

How is high diastolic blood pressure treated?

The treatment for high diastolic blood pressure depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, simply making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly, can be enough to lower blood pressure. In other cases, medication may be necessary.

How can I prevent high diastolic blood pressure?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent high diastolic blood pressure, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing stress.

When should I see a doctor about high diastolic blood pressure?

You should see a doctor if you have high blood pressure, even if you don't have any symptoms. High blood pressure can be a serious condition, and it's important to get treatment to prevent complications.