High blood pressure (hypertension) is arguably the most common cardiovascular problem. Statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that nearly half of Americans are living with high blood pressure.
Like most cardiovascular diseases, hypertension is a silent creeper. The condition rarely presents early warning symptoms, making it quite challenging to detect. That underscores the significance of routine blood pressure screening.
Since hypertension affects the very core of our existence, understanding its causes and triggers is key. This article shall shine a light on the major causes of hypertension, with a focus on high diastolic blood pressure.
What Is High Diastolic Blood Pressure?
One of the frequently asked questions among medics and hypertensive patients alike is – what causes high diastolic blood pressure?
High diastolic blood pressure can result from numerous factors. But before we delve into the causes, it’s prudent to understand what the condition entails.
The American Heart Association (AHA) defines a healthy blood pressure as less than 120/80 mmHg. The first number (120) represents systolic blood pressure, whereas the second (80) denotes diastolic blood pressure.
Systolic blood pressure measures the force blood exerts on arterial walls when the heart beats. It’s the maximum blood pressure recorded as the ventricles contract.
On the other hand, diastolic blood pressure measures the force exerted by blood between the heartbeats. It’s the minimum pressure recorded just before the next ventricular contraction.
Notably, no measurement less than 80 mmHg is considered healthy diastolic blood pressure. When the reading falls below 60 mmHg, a person may be deemed as having low blood pressure (hypotension). The same applies to systolic blood pressure, where hypotension is diagnosed when the reading falls below 90 mmHg.
So, a more accurate definition of healthy blood pressure would be a reading between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.
Does High Diastolic Blood Pressure Translate To Hypertension?
High diastolic blood pressure is typically associated with hypertension. However, there are special cases when diastolic blood pressure may rise without a corresponding effect on systolic blood pressure, resulting in a condition known as isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH).
IDH is quite uncommon, accounting for under 20% of all reported hypertension cases. However, when diastolic blood pressure rises independently, it could signal more severe cardiovascular issues.
Causes of High IDH
The causes of high diastolic blood pressure aren’t well understood. However, medics suggest that the condition may result from one or more of the following factors:
- Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalance is attributed to a host of health concerns, including cardiovascular problems like high diastolic blood pressure.
Certain endocrine disorders may result in the constriction of arterioles. The narrowing of arterial walls consequently increases the force by which blood flows through them, potentially leading to high diastolic blood pressure.
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) is one of the endocrine disorders commonly associated with IDH. According to research, 30% of people with hypothyroidism have high diastolic blood pressure.
- High Triglyceride Levels
People with elevated levels of triglycerides or blood fats may also develop high diastolic blood pressure.
High blood triglyceride levels reduce HDL “good” cholesterol while increasing LDL “bad” cholesterol.
Elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including high diastolic blood pressure.
- Alcohol Consumption
The relationship between high alcohol intake and poor cardiovascular health is well-documented.
Certain studies have established a direct link between increased alcohol consumption and high diastolic blood pressure.
- Cigarette Smoking
Alcohol and cigarettes impact the body in nearly similar ways.
Research has shown that chronic smoking affects virtually every vital organ in the body, from the skin to the liver, lungs, and heart.
Hypertension is one of the many health complications of cigarette smoking. A study conducted in China involving subjects aged 90 years or over found that most participants with IDH had a history of heavy smoking.
- Obesity and Overweight
Obese and overweight people tend to have elevated LDL cholesterol levels, predisposing them to high diastolic blood pressure.
Unhealthy weight gain is a risk factor for other cardiovascular problems as well, including heart disease.
- Diabetes
Diabetes is characterized by unhealthy blood sugar levels.
Spikes in blood sugar can cause irregular heartbeats, raising diastolic blood pressure.
- Genetic Predisposition and Previous Cardiovascular Events
People with a family history of diastolic blood pressure are highly likely to develop the condition.
The same applies to those with previous cardiovascular events, such as heart infections or cardiac surgery.
What Are The Risk Factors For IDH?
Hypertension is an old age disease. Interestingly, high diastolic blood pressure is more common in people 50 and below.
IDH is also a gender-biased disease. A 2019 study involving nearly 2.5 million participants found that 4.5% of the population with high diastolic blood pressure were males, whereas 2.2% were females.
Is IDH Treatable?
High diastolic blood pressure is manageable. Treatments typically target the cause.
Conventional IDH medications include calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. There are also alternative remedies, such as weight management, stress management, working out, and consuming a balanced diet.
Summary
High diastolic blood pressure is a major risk factor for severe cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke. Therefore, early intervention is critical. Understanding the causes of high diastolic blood pressure and staying away from potential triggers is the surest way to minimize its occurrence. As previously highlighted, scheduling routine blood pressure checks may further help to nip the condition in the bud.
Need A Massage? Learn How To Give One To Yourself And Your Loved Ones
Receiving a massage, whether it’s given by someone else or self-administered, can help loosen your muscles and establish a better connection not only with your body but also with the people you love.
