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High Diastolic Pressure Problems

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number). The systolic number measures the pressure during heartbeats, while the diastolic measures the pressure between beats. Having high blood pressure in general, and diastolic in particular, results in a multitude of potential complications.

  1. High Diastolic Pressure

    • According to the American Heart Association, having a diastolic reading between 80 and 89 mm Hg signals prehypertension. Readings of 90 or greater are considered to be high.

    Brain Damage

    • ScienceDaily.com says that high diastolic pressure can result in the deterioration of small arteries in the brain. This ultimately can result in brain damage in small areas of the brain.

    Cognitive Impairment

    • A research study published in the August 25, 2009, print version of Neurology, reports that people who have high diastolic blood pressure are at an increased risk for memory problems and decline of cognitive skills compared to people with normal diastolic pressure.

    High Diastolic in Young People

    • In young people, high diastolic blood pressure indicates increased risk of heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. As the number increases, so does the risk of developing complications.

    Treatment

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, treatment usually begins with changes in diet and exercise habits. Treatment may also include medications like diuretics or drugs to relax the blood vessels, such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, alpha blockers or vasodilators.

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