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Definition of Diastolic Blood Pressure

Blood pressure readings are a routine part of every doctor visit and are essential in determining overall health and future health risks. These readings consist of two numbers. The top number is the systolic blood pressure number and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure number. Systolic blood pressure measures the greatest amount of pressure exerted against the artery walls when an individual's heart contracts while diastolic blood pressure measures the amount of pressure exerted against the artery walls when the heart is resting between beats. To ensure future heart health, both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure numbers need to be monitored throughout an individual's lifetime. If diastolic blood pressure readings remain high, despite lifestyle changes, medications may be needed to lessen the pressure within the arteries.

  1. Identification

    • Diastolic blood pressure measures how much force the blood exerts on the artery walls between each heartbeat while the heart chambers are refilling with blood. When pressure increases too much, the artery walls can sustain damage that can later cause serious complications, such as hardened arteries (atherosclerosis). These hardened arteries can severely constrict blood flow, leading to a heart attack.

    Normal Diastolic Readings

    • The diastolic blood pressure number should be between 60 to 79 mmHg. A number less than 60 is too low and may indicate hypotension (low blood pressure). Diastolic numbers between 80 to 89 fall into the prehypertension category. Diastolic numbers between 90 to 99 fall into the Stage 1 hypertension category and numbers great than 100 fall into the Stage 2 hypertension category.

    Indications

    • Both the systolic and diastolic blood pressure numbers are used to access future risk of heart attacks, kidney problems and strokes. However, the Ohasama study published by the Department of Public Health asserts that the systolic number is the number that is the best predictor of future health complications.

    Diastolic Reading Patterns

    • According to the American Heart Association, systolic blood pressure tends to increase steadily with age. However, diastolic blood pressure usually levels off at about the age of 50 and then later declines. Individuals with high diastolic numbers usually are most often under the age of 50.

    Treatments for High Blood Pressure

    • Both systolic and diastolic hypertension can initially be treated with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. However, if lifestyle changes are not successful, the condition can be treated with prescription medications. Some medications help to reduce blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels while others reduce the amount of fluid in the body.

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