About Low Diastolic Blood Pressure

Diastolic blood pressure is the resulting resting pressure in the aorta and main vessels after the heart beats. It alternates with the systolic pressure--the active pressure that results from the heartbeats. Blood is pumped by the diastolic pressure out of the heart and throughout the body. Low diastolic pressure results when the heart is unable to maintain its normal pressure levels.

Identification

• Low diastolic pressure is called "hypotension," which is a blood pressure reading lower than 90/60 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). This low pressure slows the circulation of blood throughout the body.

Function

• Low diastolic pressure lessens the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to all of the cells of the body, causing the cells to become acidic.

Excretion of Wastes

• Low diastolic pressure also slows down the removal of cellular waste from the cells and into the blood, so that it can be excreted from the body. This leads to cellular death.

Causes

• Low diastolic blood pressure can be caused by dehydration, organ inflammation and bleeding, as well as effects from certain drugs and medications.

Heart Conditions

• Heart conditions can also lower diastolic pressure. Some causes include damage to the heart muscle, slow heart rate and pulmonary embolism.

Effects

• Low blood pressure can lead to the development of hardened arteries, stroke or heart attack, shock, as well as failure of the kidneys.