You won’t have a single appointment with your doctor without them taking the time to measure your blood pressure. But do you know exactly what the two numbers displayed on their device mean? And in particular, the second one, the diastolic pressure? What are the causes of high or low diastolic pressure? What are the symptoms and how can you normalize this blood pressure? Furthermore, what constitutes normal diastolic pressure? Professor Alain Furber, cardiologist and president of the French Federation of Cardiology (FFC), explains.
What is diastolic blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure with which blood circulates inside the arteries. This allows blood to reach absolutely every part of the body, from the scalp to the toes.
“The first phase of the cardiac cycle is when the heart contracts and blood is ejected; this is called systole,” explains Professor Furber. “This is the first number that appears on the blood pressure monitor.”
“In the second phase, the heart relaxes; this is diastole, the second number. This phase corresponds to the filling of the heart chambers with blood.”
Is it possible to have hypertension that is primarily diastolic (with a systolic blood pressure below 140 mmHg)? “Yes,” replies Professor Furber, “particularly in those under 65. After that, it tends to become more systolic. This is due to aging, which leads to a stiffening of the artery walls.”
DRC: Jean -Pierre Bemba’s plane, parked in Portugal for 19 years, has been seized. High diastolic blood pressure: what are the causes? “It’s a multifactorial disease. It can be exacerbated by:
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A diet too high in salt;
sleep disorders;
being overweight or obese;
a lack of physical activity;
alcohol;
certain medications such as the contraceptive pill;
anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids;
and the use of drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines.
More rarely, there may be underlying causes. For example, renal artery stenosis (a reduction in blood flow in one or both of the main renal arteries or their branches), or any disease that can lead to kidney failure.
In the absence of a known cause, it is referred to as essential hypertension, often with a genetic component (a history of early-onset hypertension in one’s father or mother).
How to lower diastolic blood pressure?
Diastolic blood pressure between 90 and 100
: “If diastolic blood pressure is between 90 and 100, it’s best to wait a while before considering any treatment. At this stage, dietary measures may be sufficient.”
