Having high diastolic blood pressure (BP) can be a sign of a serious medical condition. It can cause a range of health issues, including heart attack, stroke, and even death. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that you can take to lower your diastolic BP. Read on to learn more about how to lower your diastolic BP.
Understanding Diastolic Blood Pressure
In order to lower your diastolic BP, you need to first understand what it is. Diastolic BP is the lower number in a blood pressure reading. It measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest, between beats. It is usually written as two numbers, with the top number being systolic BP and the bottom number being diastolic BP. For example, a reading of 120/80 would indicate a systolic BP of 120 and a diastolic BP of 80.
Causes of High Diastolic Blood Pressure
There are a number of factors that can lead to high diastolic BP. These include genetics, lifestyle factors such as smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise, and certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and high cholesterol. It is important to identify the cause of your high diastolic BP in order to develop an effective treatment plan.
What are the Risks of High Diastolic BP?
Having high diastolic BP is a serious medical condition that can lead to a range of health issues. These include stroke, heart attack, heart failure, aneurysm, kidney damage, and more. It is important to take steps to lower your diastolic BP in order to avoid these risks.
How to Lower Diastolic Blood Pressure
There are a number of steps that you can take to lower your diastolic BP. These include making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight if needed, getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress. In addition, your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower your diastolic BP.
Lifestyle Changes to Lower Diastolic BP
Making certain lifestyle changes can help lower your diastolic BP. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take. In addition, if you are overweight, losing weight can help lower your diastolic BP. Eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium can also help. Getting regular physical activity can also be beneficial. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
Medications to Lower Diastolic BP
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help lower your diastolic BP. These medications work by relaxing the blood vessels, allowing the blood to flow more easily. Common medications used to lower diastolic BP include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics. It is important to take these medications as prescribed by your doctor.
Monitoring Your Diastolic BP
Once you have started taking steps to lower your diastolic BP, it is important to monitor it on a regular basis. Your doctor will likely recommend that you check your BP at home using a home BP monitor. This allows you to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. You should also make regular visits to your doctor to monitor your diastolic BP.
Conclusion
High diastolic BP is a serious medical condition that can lead to a range of health issues, including heart attack and stroke. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to lower your diastolic BP. These include making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise. In addition, your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower your diastolic BP. It is important to take these steps and to regularly monitor your diastolic BP in order to stay healthy.