Blood pressure readings are taken in two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic number measures the pressure on the vessel upon every heartbeat and it is the upper number. On the other hand, the diastolic number measures the exerted pressure when the heartbeat is at rest. It is the lower number.
However, if this exerted pressure between the heartbeats is lower, then it is lower blood pressure diastolic. It means that the pressure that forces the blood to reach the arteries and organs throughout the body is lower.
You can determine low diastolic blood pressure through several symptoms. Thus, in this article, we will look into numerous causes, symptoms, preventions, and treatments for low blood pressure. So that it helps you get rid of your sufferings and live a healthy life.
What is Lower Blood Pressure Diastolic?
As mentioned above, when the diastolic blood pressure decreases and you have a low coronary artery force. It means that your heart will lack oxygen and blood. However, this chronic condition is known as ischemia, which may result in your heart weakening and eventually leading to heart failure.
In technical or medical terms, this condition is known as hypotension. And, people experiencing low diastolic blood pressure have a diastolic range of 60 mm Hg or below while the systolic is 90 mm Hg.
In some other cases, patients have low diastolic blood pressure with normal systolic, and this condition is called isolated diastolic hypotension. People with this chronic condition are at high risk of heart disease.
Types of Hypotension
Hypotension is classified into four types:
Orthostatic Hypotension
This is a sudden fall in blood pressure that occurs while standing or laying position. The causes for orthostatic hypotension are due to dehydration, pregnancy, extensive bedrest, various health conditions, or the use of particular medicines. This type of hypotension is more common in older people.
Postprandial Hypotension
This type of lower blood pressure diastolic usually occurs an hour or two after eating something. It is also triggered mostly in elderly people who often complain of high blood pressure conditions or autonomic nervous system disorders, for instance, Parkinson’s disease. This type of hypotension can be prevented by eating low-carb meals, more water intake, and cutting off alcohol.
Neurally Mediated Hypotension
If a person is standing for a longer time, he or she might encounter this type of low blood pressure. This type of hypotension usually affects young people and children and can be caused due to confusion between the brain and the heart.
Multiple System Atrophy with Orthostatic Hypotension
This is a rare type of hypotension, which is also called Shy-Drager syndrome. This type of lower blood pressure diastolic affects the nervous system that manages spontaneous functions in the body such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, breathing, etc. Besides, it is associated with hypertension while lying down.
What Causes Low Diastolic Blood Pressure?
There are numerous possible risk factors that could be the root of low diastolic blood pressure. However, aging is one of the factors that can help raise low blood pressure. Some other elements such as diuretics, erectile dysfunction pills, or antidepressants can improve lower blood pressure diastolic.
However, the causes of low diastolic blood pressure are mentioned below:
- People who consume medicines to treat high blood pressure tend to experience low blood pressure. These medications function by blocking the blood vessels and decreasing diastolic pressure. People who use such medicines are at high risk to suffer isolated diastolic hypotension.
- Another common cause could be some medical conditions. Generally, people have lower blood pressure naturally which initially causes no health problems. Yet, patients with diseases such as anemia, diabetes, cardiac problems, Parkinson’s disease, or some allergic reactions may go through hypotension.
- In addition, as people grow old, they lose their arteries’ flexibility with time. As a result, these arteries become rigid and do not allow the heartbeat to bounce back. Ultimately, it results in lower blood pressure diastolic.
- Low blood pressure can also be caused by some temporary healthcare conditions such as dehydration, pregnancy, extensive bed rest, alcohol consumption, or heavy menstruation.
What are the Lower Blood Pressure Diastolic Symptoms?
The low diastolic blood pressure symptoms vary from person to person. But the most common symptoms of low blood pressure include:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Unclear vision
- Frequent falls
- Fainting
- Dehydration
- Headache
- Short breath
- Pale skin
- Weakness
- Depression
- Fast heartbeat
If you feel any of the above symptoms for lower blood pressure diastolic, you should immediately seek a doctor’s help. Nonetheless, keep in mind, everyone with hypotension may have different symptoms.
For instance, one patient with hypotension might be experiencing nausea and another will suffer from another sign. So, it all depends on the human body structure. Pay a visit to your doctor and determine whether you are going through isolated hypotension.
How Lower Blood Pressure Diastolic Can be Treated?
Unlike high blood pressure or hypertension, low blood pressure can be treated by taking some prevention steps. However, the treatment also varied to the symptoms and severity of the condition. Therefore, before starting hypotension treatment, talk to a medical expert for professional guidance.
You can treat hypotension and isolated hypotension using the following approaches.
Hypotension Treatment
First of all, in order to treat hypotension, you need to understand the root cause of the condition. For this, you should visit your doctor, let him know about the symptoms you have, and get a consultation. By listening to your signs and symptoms, your doctor’s prescription may change. Your doctor thus will monitor your diastolic and systolic blood pressure. However, the root cause is dehydration, he may prescribe you some fluid supplements. Other patients with varied causes may get pills and medicines to treat hypotension.
Isolated Hypotension Treatment
On the other hand, if you are experiencing isolated diastolic hypotension, it is relatively more complicated than general hypotension. Usually, patients consuming alpha-blockers to control hypertension will get different treatments than those who don’t take them. Yet, if you’re suffering from isolated lower blood pressure diastolic, and you’re not taking any medications, your treatment will be varied. Your doctor may recommend frequent visits and checkups to observe your blood pressure readings. Unfortunately, there is no specific isolated low diastolic blood pressure treatment.
How to Increase Diastolic Blood Pressure?
There is no specific treatment to lower blood pressure diastolic, but you can take some measures to prevent and control it. Follow the tips given below to increase diastolic blood pressure and get rid of further medical complications.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in protein such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, fish, soft meat, and other protein-rich food.
- Avoid eating fatty or processed food.
- Maintain your weight or lose some pounds (if you’re overweight). Follow a proper diet plan to achieve your goals.
- Keep yourself hydrated and quit alcoholic beverages, since they could increase the risk factors of dehydration.
- Quit smoking.
- Consume sodium between 1.5-4.0 gm only per day. Also, check labels on processed food to monitor the sodium amount in them.
- Remain physically active and exercise regularly.
Bottom Line
Generally, lower blood pressure diastolic does not cause any severe or additional medical issues. But, it may increase the risk of faintness, dizziness, and unconsciousness, which is pretty dangerous for elderly people. On the other hand, people with isolated hypotension are at risk of heart failure in case it is left untreated.
Therefore, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy food intake, body hydration, and frequent visits to the doctor can prevent low blood pressure from worsening. So, consult your doctor now to know about the type of hypotension and treat it as early as possible.
