Diastolic Pressure: Definition, Different Values, Dangerous Zones and Recommendations

It is the blood pressure that occurs during diastole.

When your doctor takes your blood pressure, it is expressed as a two-number measurement, with one number at the top ( systolic ) and one at the bottom (diastolic), as a fraction. For example, 120/80 mm Hg.

The bottom number refers to your blood pressure when your heart muscle is between beats. This is called diastolic pressure. Both numbers (systolic and diastolic) are essential in determining the state of your heart health.

Numbers above the ideal range indicate that your heart is working too hard to pump blood to the rest of your body.

Millimeters of mercury are used to express blood pressure readings. This unit is abbreviated as mm Hg. A regular task would be any blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg and above 90/60 mm Hg in adults.

Average / normal values

Typical values ​​for diastolic pressure should be between 60 and 80, which is lower than systolic pressure. The American Heart Association considers blood pressure within the normal range when your diastolic numbers are in these ranges.

If it is within the normal range, no medical intervention is needed. However, you must maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight to help prevent the development of hypertension.

 

Regular exercise and healthy eating can also help. You may need to be even more aware of your lifestyle if hypertension runs in your family.

High values ​​(high blood pressure)

You have high blood pressure when your diastolic is less than 80 mm Hg.

Although these numbers are not technically considered high blood pressure, it has moved outside the normal range. High blood pressure has a good chance of turning into actual high blood pressure, increasing your risk for heart disease and stroke.

Medications are not needed for high blood pressure. But this is when you should adopt healthier lifestyle choices. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help lower your blood pressure to a healthy range and help prevent high blood pressure from turning into complete hypertension.

Danger zone

You could have serious health problems if you have a blood pressure reading above 180/120 mm Hg. The American Heart Association refers to these tall measurements as a “hypertensive crisis.” Even if you don’t have these symptoms, blood pressure in this high range requires urgent treatment.

You should seek emergency treatment if you have blood pressure in this range, which can accompany symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Visual changes
  • Stroke symptoms, such as paralysis or loss of muscle control in a specific part of the body.
  • Blood in your urine
  • Dizziness.
  • Headache.

However, a high reading can occur temporarily, and your numbers will return to normal. If your blood pressure is measured at this level, your doctor will likely take a second reading after a few minutes have passed.

A second high reading indicates that you will need treatment as soon as possible or immediately, depending on whether or not you have any of the symptoms described above.

Low values ​​(low blood pressure)

Low blood pressure is known as hypotension. A blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg or less is often considered hypotension in adults. If your blood pressure is shallow, this could indicate that your heart is not providing enough oxygenated blood to your body and soul.

Some potential causes of hypotension can include:

  • Heart problems.
  • Dehydration
  • The pregnancy.
  • Loss of blood.
  • Severe infection ( septicemia ).
  • Anaphylaxis.
  • Malnutrition.
  • Endocrine problems.
  • Certain medications

Hypotension is often accompanied by lightheadedness or dizziness. Talk to your doctor to find out what is causing your low blood pressure and what you can do to raise it.

recommendations

Keeping your blood pressure within the normal range is crucial to preventing complications, such as heart disease and stroke.

A combination of healthy lifestyle habits and medications can help lower your blood pressure. If you are overweight, losing weight is also essential in keeping your numbers low.

A single reading does not necessarily establish the state of your health. An average of blood pressure readings taken over time are the most accurate.

It is often ideal for a healthcare professional to take your blood pressure at least once a year. You may require more frequent checks if your readings are high.