Doctors: Beware Of Low Diastolic Blood Pressure When Treating Hypertension
- Low diastolic blood pressure linked to heart damage.;-
- Physicians, be aware of not dropping the bottom blood pressure number.;-
- Overtreated high blood pressure could be dangerous in certain patients. –
The researchers caution that their findings cannot prove that very low diastolic blood pressure a measure of pressure in arteries between heartbeats when the heart is resting and also the lower number in a blood pressure reading directly causes heart damage, only that there appears to be a statistically significant increase in heart damage risk among those with the lowest levels of diastolic blood pressure.
A summary of the findings was published Aug. 30 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and coincides with the release of a similar analysis at the European Society of Cardiology Meeting by physicians from Hôpital Bichat in Paris, France.
Released last fall, the SPRINT trial showed protective cardiovascular benefits to patients when physicians aggressively treated high blood pressure down to 120/80 millimeters of mercury, with a primary emphasis on keeping systolic pressure the top number, representing arterial pressure when the heart is pumping at no more than 120.
Researchers followed the participants for 21 years in a series of five visits, with the last check-in in 2013. Each visit included blood pressure measurement, and several included blood testing.
Try Meditation Or Yoga
Mindfulness and meditation, including transcendental meditation, have long been used and studied as methods to reduce stress. A 2012 study notes that one university program in Massachusetts has had more than 19,000 people participate in a meditation and mindfulness program to reduce stress .
Yoga, which commonly involves breathing control, posture, and meditation techniques, can also be effective in reducing stress and blood pressure.
A 2013 review on yoga and blood pressure found an average blood pressure decrease of 3.62 mm Hg diastolic and 4.17 mm Hg systolic when compared to those who didnt exercise. Studies of yoga practices that included breath control, postures, and meditation were nearly twice as effective as yoga practices that didnt include all three of these elements .
What Does High Blood Pressure Feel Like
High blood pressure often doesn’t have any symptoms, so you usually don’t feel it.
Hypertension is usually diagnosed by a health care professional during a routine checkup. The average person should get a blood pressure reading at least once a year. As a cardiologist, I think its important for everyone to know their numbers. That means knowing what your blood pressure is. And it also means knowing your blood sugar level, cholesterol and body mass index. When you know your numbers, you can work with your doctor to make a plan to reduce any risks.
Blood pressure is even more important to pay attention to, though, if you have a close relative with hypertension or other risk factors. And know that if your blood pressure is extremely high, you may have unusually severe headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing or get easily worn out by workouts. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away.
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I used to think these dramatic drops in blood pressure were something that happened to only a very few people, continues Dr. Fruge, but Ive been here at Pritikin for more than 15 years, and I see results like these every week. This isnt a miracle. Its simply what happens when we start taking good care of ourselves.
Eat More Fruits And Vegetables
If reducing salt is not enough, people with high blood pressure have an entire diet designed for them. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, was developed by the National Institutes of Health and has been voted one of the best overall diets.
The DASH diet is high in fruits, vegetables and fiber, and low in sodium. It may further reduce systolic blood pressure by about 3 points compared with a regular low-sodium diet, according to a trial of DASH.
However, a drawback of the DASH diet is that its high in carbohydrates. This can stimulate the appetite and make it harder for people to lose weight, Bisognano said. If you are trying to lose weight and lower blood pressure, diets such as Zone and South Beach, which balance carbs with protein and fat, may be easier to stick with for six months or so, he added.
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Try Losing Weight Changing Your Diet And Exercising
Sometimes getting your blood pressure under control requires that you take several medications each day, such as a diuretic and a calcium-channel blocker. But some therapies don’t involve medication. “People who have drug intolerances or are unwilling to take medications can try pill-free therapy, and it can also be used to make a medication regimen more effective,” says Dr. Randall Zusman, a cardiologist and Harvard Medical School associate professor.
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Strategies To Reduce High Blood Pressure Naturally
Eventually, untreated high blood pressure can have dire consequences. Fortunately, you have a number of strategies to normalize blood pressure. Normalized blood pressure means you have less of a risk for many problems including cardiovascular disease.
While researchers arent always able to narrow down the culprits, theyve concluded that diet and lifestyle factors significantly impacthigh blood pressure. After your doctor diagnoses you with high blood pressure, he or she will likely suggest dietary and lifestyle modifications including a low-salt diet and more exercise.
With the right strategies, you can do plenty to normalize high blood pressure and avoid or lessen the need for medication. These seven strategies become an excellent starting point.
1. Concentrate on foods that lower blood pressure. Sugary, processed foods contain salt, sugar, damaged fats, and food sensitivities like gluten that contribute to or exacerbate high blood pressure. Shifting to a whole, unprocessed foods diet can dramatically impact your blood pressure. Many whole, unprocessed foods are rich in potassium, a mineral that supports healthy blood pressure. Some research shows that too much sodium and low amounts of potassium can contribute to high blood pressure. Research shows people with high blood pressure can benefit from increased potassium in foods including avocado, spinach, wild-caught salmon, and sweet potatoes.
4. Find an exercise that works for you .
7. Visit your chiropractor.
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Best Ways To Bring Down Your Blood Pressure
At Westchester Health, a great many of our patients have high blood pressure but not all of them fully understand what this condition means. Blood pressure refers to the force of;your blood;pushing against your artery walls as it flows throughout your body. Too much force, i.e.,;high blood pressure,;can damage your arteries and lead to life-threatening conditions such as;heart disease;and;stroke.
Preventing High Blood Pressure
To keep your blood pressure in the normal range, your daily habits are key. These things help:
Donât smoke. Among the many health problems that smoking causes, it raises your blood pressure.
Make physical activity a habit. Most experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five or more times a week. Or you could do a harder activity for a shorter period of time per session.
Eat right. Read food labels to see how much sodium is in a serving. Check with your doctor to find out what your daily limit should be. Include a lot of vegetables and fruits, along with whatever else you choose to put on your plate.
Stick to a healthy weight. Extra pounds raise your blood pressure. If youâre not sure what a healthy weight would be for you, ask your doctor.
Get enough sleep. For most adults, thatâs 7-8 hours of sleep per night, on a regular basis.
If you drink alcohol, limit it to no more than one drink a day if youâre a woman and up to two drinks a day if youâre a man.
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What Do The Blood Pressure Numbers Mean
When blood pressure is measured, the result is given as two numbers, such as 120/80. The first number is the amount of force used when the heart beats . The second number is the pressure in the arteries between heart beats . Pressures are measured in millimeters of mercury . High blood pressure is defined as pressures above 140/90 for a period of time. Prehypertension is defined as a systolic pressure from 120139 millimeters of mercury or a diastolic pressure from 8089 mm Hg. Because blood pressure changes often, your health care provider will check it on several different days before deciding whether your blood pressure is too high. Blood pressure is considered high when it is elevated above 140/90 for a period of time. For people with chronic kidney disease, the recommended level is below 130/80.
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Maintain A Healthy Weight
Having overweight or obesity increases strain on the heart muscle and can lead to a rise in blood pressure.
The AHA recommend that people keep their body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9. If a persons BMI is too high, they should take steps to reduce their weight.
According to the AHA, a loss of just 10 pounds in weight is enough to reduce blood pressure readings in people who have overweight.
How Do I Know If I Have High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure usually doesnt cause symptoms. The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure taken. Know your numbers so you can make the changes that help prevent or limit damage.
Your blood pressure reading has two numbers. The top number is the systolic, which measures the pressure on the blood vessel walls when your heart beats. The bottom number is the diastolic, which measures the pressure on your blood vessels between beats when the heart is at rest.
For example, a reading of 110/70 is within normal range for blood pressure; 126/72 is an elevated blood pressure; a reading of 135/85 is stage 1 hypertension, and so on .
| Category | |
|---|---|
| Hypertensive Crisis | 180/120 mmHg or higher |
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Does Pain Affect Systolic Or Diastolic Blood Pressure
Research indicates that people age 14 and older could have higher blood pressure due to acute pain levels. However, the role of chronic pain on blood pressure levels is not well understood. Often, hypertension and concurrent musculoskeletal problems are commonly prescribed analgesics and antihypertensive at the same time.
Sometimes pain and anti-inflammatory medications can cause people to retain water, which can cause kidney problems as well as increase blood pressure. These include indomethacin, acetaminophen, aspirin, naproxen sodium, and piroxicam.
Management of high blood pressure often requires adjustment, especially when an injury occurs that causes someone to decrease their level of activity. Taking a lot of anti-inflammatory pain medications can also cause water retention, which elevates blood pressure.
Remove Calcium From Your Arteries Foroptimum Blood Flow
Each and every day, your blood pumps through 100,000 miles of arteries, veins and capillaries. The diameter of your veins and arteries affects the rate of blood flow and the amount of pressure needed to pass through your arteries. The bigger the opening, the less pressure is needed.
So what do you think happens when those blood vessels get lined with layers and layers of calcium plaque deposits?
You guessed it! The pathway narrows and your blood literally has to squeeze through those arteries and veinscausing your blood pressure to skyrocket.
Now, imagine a simple nutrient that can quickly help remove calcium from your blood vessels and keep them wide open for healthy blood flow.
It’s called Vitamin K2. And here’s why it’s the first part of my three-step program for healthy blood pressure.
You probably know of the more common vitamin K1. This is the form of vitamin K that’s readily available in green vegetables. And it’s very important for normal blood clotting.
But vitamin K2also known as menaquinoneis very different. Vitamin K2 is essential for your cardiovascular health because of its amazing ability to utilize calcium.
In fact, vitamin K2 acts like a shuttle bus. It moves unwanted calcium out of your arteries and delivers that calcium to your boneswhere it’s needed for bone health! Numerous studies show the amazing power of vitamin K2. For example…
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Tips For Lowering Systolic Blood Pressure
Tip #1: Consult A Doctor
If you have a high systolic blood pressure reading, the first thing to do is talk to your doctor about treatment possibilities. There is a chance that they will put you on medication. The most commonly prescribed type of medication is diuretics, also known as water pills, which flush excess water and sodium from your body to lower the blood pressure.
Tip #2: Maintain An Exercise Routine
Sometimes systolic blood pressure levels can be controlled simply by opting for a healthier lifestyle that includes regular exercise.
It is recommended that people with pre-hypertension exercise for at least 30 to 60 minutes a day, as this will reduce their chances of facing high blood pressure later in life. It is necessary to do this on a daily basis for best results.
You can try walking, cycling, swimming, or jogging, as these measures help in lowering systolic blood pressure.
Tip #3: Follow A Healthy Diet
Changing your diet can help you bring down your systolic blood pressure too. You need to maintain a healthy weight, and you can do this by quitting smoking, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink, and eating a healthy diet.
A hypertension diet should include greater amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low quantities of fat and sodium. The nutrients potassium, magnesium, and calcium are important components of a healthy blood pressure diet.
A good diet helps with lowering systolic blood pressure
Limit Saturated And Trans Fats
The AHA recommend that people limit their daily intake of saturated fats. According to the AHA, saturated fats should make up no more than 120 calories of a 2000 calorie-per-day diet.
The AHA also recommend avoiding trans fats, which can increase bad cholesterol levels while decreasing good cholesterol levels. Like high blood pressure, trans fats increase a persons chances of developing heart disease and stroke.
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What Does A Blood Pressure Reading Look Like
When you have your blood pressure measured, you will be given two numbers, a top number and a bottom number.
- Systolic blood pressure. This is the first, or top, number. This is the highest level your blood pressure reaches when your heart beats, forcing blood around your body.
- Diastolic blood pressure. The second number, or bottom number, is the lowest level your blood pressure reaches as your heart relaxes between beats.
Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury . If the first number is 120 and the second number is 80, this would be written as 120/80mmHg, and youd call it 120 over 80.
This video explains more about systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Possible Causes Of Resistant Hypertension
Resistant hypertension may have one or more other underlying medical conditions. In addition to treating resistant hypertension with medications, doctors typically investigate secondary causes , such as:
- Abnormalities in the hormones that control blood pressure.
- The accumulation of artery-clogging plaque in blood vessels that nourish the kidneys, a condition called renal artery stenosis.
- Sleep problems, such as the breath-holding type of snoring known as obstructive sleep apnea.
- Obesity or heavy intake of alcohol or other substances that can interfere with blood pressure.
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Eat More Foods High In Magnesium
A small study in the International Journal of Hypertension found magnesium supplementation can reduce blood pressure in small amountsNguyen H, Odelola OA, Rangaswami J, Amanullah A. A Review of Nutritional Factors in Hypertension Management. International Journal of Hypertension. 2013;698940. . Talk to your doctor before taking magnesium supplements, especially if you have kidney disease. You can also safely incorporate high-magnesium foods into your diet. Dr. Desai recommends foods like leafy green vegetables and unsalted almonds.
Eat Some Dark Chocolate
Yes, chocolate lovers: Dark chocolate has been shown to lower blood pressure.
But the dark chocolate should be 60 to 70 percent cacao. A review of studies on dark chocolate has found that eating one to two squares of dark chocolate per day may help lower the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and inflammation. The benefits are thought to come from the flavonoids present in chocolate with more cocoa solids. The flavonoids help dilate, or widen, your blood vessels .
A 2010 study of 14,310 people found that individuals without hypertension who ate more dark chocolate had lower blood pressure overall than those who ate less dark chocolate (
28 ).
For some people, getting a good nights sleep isnt easy. There are many ways to help you get restful sleep. Try setting a regular sleep schedule, spend time relaxing at night, exercise during the day, avoid daytime naps, and make your bedroom comfortable .
The national Sleep Heart Health Study found that regularly sleeping less than 7 hours a night and more than 9 hours a night was associated with an increased prevalence of hypertension. Regularly sleeping less than 5 hours a night was linked to a significant risk of hypertension long term .
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