Treating high diastolic pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 22 2009
Q: Only my diastolic (lower number) is high. What drives the diastolic pressure and what lifestyle changes can be made to lower it?
A: For good information explaining blood pressure, click here. Diastolic pressure is the measurement of blood pressure between heart beats. Life style changes that are recommended include, regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a normal weight, and stopping tobacco use.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, high diastolic pressure, hypertension, Isolated Hypertension, life style changes, lifestyle changes, tobacco useSystolic, diastolic BP and aging
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 06 2009
Q: My blood pressure is often 145/77. Is the systolic less worrisome than diastolic? My age is 61, and I am told that my borderline HBP has developed with age due to my genetics. If my blood pressure is caused by my blood vessels constricting, why didn’t it happen before, when I was younger?
A: Everyone ages differently based on life style, genetics, and other factors. As part of the aging process, blood vessels get less flexible, just like other parts of your body. This stiffness can lead to high blood pressure. High systolic pressure has been shown to increase the likelihood of having a heart attack or stroke. It is just as worrisome as high diastolic pressure.
Tags: aging process, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, Blood vessels, high blood pressure, high diastolic pressure, high systolic pressure
