What Is High Diastolic Blood Pressure

Which Drugs Interact With Tcas

• TCAs may inhibit the antihypertensive effect of clonidine . Therefore, combining TCAs with clonidine may lead to dangerous elevations in blood pressure.
• TCAs may affect the heart’s electrical conduction system. Combining TCAs with drugs that also affect the heart’s conduction system may increase the frequency and severity of an abnormal heart rate and rhythm.
• Combining TCAs with carbamazepine may result in lower TCA blood levels because carbamazepine increases the breakdown of TCAs, potentially reducing their effect.
• TCAs may increase the blood pressure elevating effect of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, phenylephrine, and dobutamine.
• Cimetidine may reduce the breakdown of some TCAs, for example, amitriptyline , increasing the level of the TCA in the body, and potentially leading to increased side effects. As mentioned previously, TCAs should not be combined with MAOIs.

Is Systolic Or Diastolic Blood Pressure More Powerful As A Predictor Of Cardiovascular Complications Of Hypertension

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels are independently predictive of the risk of cardiovascular complications in hypertensive patients. However, systolic blood pressure is more powerful in predicting cardiovascular complications particularly in patients over the age of 50 years. Pulse pressurethe difference between systolic and diastlic blood pressureis also an independent predictor of cardiovascular complications and is increasingly larger in older patients. A wide pulse pressure is usually indicative of a noncompliant stiff aorta with a reduced ability to distend and recoil back. Thus, during systolic ejection of blood from the left ventricle into the aorta and systemic circulation, the aorta does not distend and the force of ejection is transmitted more forcefully into the peripheral vessels, thus causing an exaggerated systolic blood pressure level recording. During diastole, the elastic recoil of the aorta is more limited, contributing to a lower diastolic blood pressure. Thus, a noncompliant aorta would increase systolic blood pressure and reduce diastolic blood pressure, resulting in a widened pulse pressure.

Dany E. Weisz BSc, MD, MSc, Patrick Joseph McNamara MD, MRCPCH, MSc, in, 2017

What Can Cause A High Systolic And Low Diastolic Blood Pressure

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Reduce And Manage Stress

The body releases chemicals and hormones that can narrow the blood vessels temporarily when we are under stress. Stress also gets our heart beating faster. Long-term stress is thought to increase the risk of getting heart problems, such as stroke and heart attacks. Taking time to relax and practice stress-reducing exercises can be very helpful.

Stroke And Brain Problems

High blood pressure can cause the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the brain to burst or be blocked, causing a stroke. Brain cells die during a stroke because they do not get enough oxygen. Stroke can cause serious disabilities in speech, movement, and other basic activities. A stroke can also kill you.

Having high blood pressure, especially in midlife, is linked to having poorer cognitive function and dementia later in life. Learn more about the link between high blood pressure and dementia from the National Institutes of Healths Mind Your Risks®external icon campaign.

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Which Is More Important: Systolic Or Diastolic Blood Pressure

Which Is More Important: Systolic or Diastolic Blood Pressure? Center

When it comes to measuring high blood pressure , many wonder whether the number on top is more important than the number on the bottom .

Typically, systolic blood pressure is given more attention as a risk factor for heart disease. However, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are equally important in monitoring the health of your heart.

What the numbers measure

• Systolic blood pressure indicates the amount of pressure being exerted on the walls of your arteries when your heart beats.
• Diastolic blood pressure indicates the amount of pressure being exerted on the walls of your arteries in between heartbeats.

Blood pressure ranges

• Normal: Under 120/80 mm Hg
• Elevated: 120-129 systolic, under 80 mm Hg diastolic
• Hypertension Stage I: 130-139 systolic, 80-89 mm Hg diastolic
• Hypertension Stage II: Over 140/90 mm Hg
• Hypertensive crisis: Over 180/120 mmHg. This is a dangerously high reading and requires immediate medical attention.

The Prevalence Of Diastolic High Blood Pressure

Certain studies have confirmed the concerning extent of the prevalence of IDH in the population.According to the reputed Framingham Heart Study on diastolic and systolic hypertension published in 2005 in the journal Circulation :1121-7), diastolic hypertension was found to be more prevalent in young adults of less than 40 years compared to systo-diastolic hypertension .SDH is when both systolic and diastolic blood pressure combined have values that are elevated.The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III for the period 19881991 revealed that diastolic hypertension was most prevalent in young adults of under 40 years and proportional in prevalence to systolic-diastolic hypertension among those between ages 40 to 49 years. Of those your adults, the majority were male.In addition over 75% of young adult population with untreated hypertension had IDH and ISH.The two independent studies retained similar findings on the prevalence of IDH across the population.

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Do I Have High Blood Pressure

Anyone can have high blood pressure. Some medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, kidney disease, and thyroid problems, can cause high blood pressure. Some people have a greater chance of having it because of things they can’t change. These are:

• Age. The chance of having high blood pressure increases as you get older, especially isolated systolic hypertension.
• Gender. Before age 55, men have a greater chance of having high blood pressure. Women are more likely to have high blood pressure after menopause.
• Family history. High blood pressure tends to run in some families.
• Race. African Americans are at increased risk for high blood pressure.

High blood pressure often has no signs or symptoms, but routine checks of your blood pressure will help detect increasing levels. If your blood pressure reading is high at two or more check-ups, the doctor may also ask you to measure your blood pressure at home.

There are important considerations for older adults in deciding whether to start treatment for high blood pressure if it is above 130/80, including other health conditions and overall fitness. Your doctor may work with you to find a blood pressure target that is best for your well-being and may suggest exercise, changes in your diet, and medications.

Garlic And Garlic Milk

Considered one of the most effective natural remedies for diastolic hypertension. It is good for thrombosis, hardening of the arteries, and high blood cholesterol. Using fresh garlic is best. You can also make garlic milk by heating half a liter of water and milk and boil 10 garlic cloves in it. When it cools off, you can add some honey to it before drinking.

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What Is High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure .

The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Your health care team can diagnose high blood pressure and make treatment decisions by reviewing your systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels and comparing them to levels found in certain guidelines.

The guidelines used to diagnose high blood pressure may differ from health care professional to health care professional:

• Some health care professionals diagnose patients with high blood pressure if their blood pressure is consistently 140/90 mm Hg or higher.2 This limit is based on a guideline released in 2003, as seen in the table below.
• Other health care professionals diagnose patients with high blood pressure if their blood pressure is consistently 130/80 mm Hg or higher.1 This limit is based on a guideline released in 2017, as seen in the table below.

systolic: 130 mm Hg or higherdiastolic: 80 mm Hg or higher

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, talk with your health care team about your blood pressure levels and how these levels affect your treatment plan.

What Medications Are Used To Treat High Blood Pressure

Four classes of high blood pressure medications are considered first line when starting treatment. Sometimes other medications are coupled with these first-line drugs to better control your high blood pressure. First-line, pressure-lowering medications are:

• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors block the production of the angiotensin II hormone, which the body naturally uses to control blood pressure. When angiotensin II is blocked, your blood vessels dont narrow. Examples: lisinopril , enalapril or captopril.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers block this same hormone from binding with receptors in the blood vessels. ARBs work the same way as ACE inhibitors to keep blood vessels from narrowing. Examples: metoprolol , valsartan or losartan.
• Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the muscle cells of your heart and blood vessels, allowing these vessels to relax. Examples: amlodipine , nifedipine , diltiazem .
• Diuretics flush excess sodium from your body, reducing the amount of fluid in your blood. Diuretics are often used with other high blood pressure medicines, sometimes in one combined pill. Examples: indapamide, hydrochlorothiazide or chlorothiazide.

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What Can I Do To Prevent Or Manage High Blood Pressure

Many people with high blood pressure can lower their blood pressure into a healthy range or keep their numbers in a healthy range by making lifestyle changes. Talk with your health care team about

• Getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week
• Not smoking
• Managing stress

Learn more about ways to manage and prevent high blood pressure.

In addition to making positive lifestyle changes, some people with high blood pressure need to take medicine to manage their blood pressure. Learn more about medicines for high blood pressure.

Talk with your health care team right away if you think you have high blood pressure or if youve been told you have high blood pressure but do not have it under control.

How Do Antidepressants Work

Antidepressants are the most prescribed class of drugs for depression. The exact mechanism of action of antidepressants is unknown.

• The prevailing theory is that antidepressants increase the concentration of one or more brain chemicals that nerves in the brain use to communicate with one another.
• The neurotransmitters affected by antidepressants are norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.
• The different classes of antidepressants differ in the neurotransmitters they affect. This determines some of their side effects and potential drug interactions.

All available antidepressants are effective, and for most cases of depression, there is no good evidence that any antidepressant is more effective than another is.

Side effects, potential drug interactions, and therapy compliance are major factors that influence a doctor’s selection of antidepressants for a patient.

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Switch To Dark Chocolate

A 2010 analysis of 15 studies suggests that dark chocolate may slightly reduce blood pressure. Ried K, et al. Does chocolate reduce blood pressure? A meta-analysis. DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-8-39 If youre eating chocolate, choose dark chocolate over other types, and make sure its at least 70 percent cocoa. 12 heart-healthy foods to work into your diet. .

What Problems Can It Cause

All types of high blood pressure, including isolated systolic hypertension, can slowly damage the inside of your arteries and cause tiny tears in their walls. A chemical called LDL cholesterol can build up in those damaged blood vessels and form a layer called plaque. That makes your arteries narrower and raises your blood pressure even higher.

When that happens, the arteries that carry oxygen to your heart can get blocked, and that can lead to a heart attack or a stroke . It also can make blood vessels in your brain burst, and that can cause a stroke, too.

In other parts of your body, it can strain the blood vessels in your eyes and make you lose your eyesight or damage the arteries around your kidneys so they donât filter your blood the way they should.

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Mothers Can Transmit Caffeine To Their Babies In Breast Milk

Caffeine passes into breast milk in small amounts. The American Academy of Pediatrics states a cup of coffee is unlikely to cause harm to a nursing baby, but too much caffeine can cause problems including poor sleep, irritability, nervousness, and poor feeding. If you notice these symptoms in your baby, it may be a sign to cut back on your caffeine intake.

What Is Isolated Diastolic Hypertension

Hypertension is a condition in which both systolic and diastolic blood pressures are high. However, you are likely suffering from isolated diastolic hypertension when your systolic blood pressure is normal, but your diastolic blood pressure consistently remains high .

IDH is not a very common type of hypertension. It only accounts for less than 20% of all hypertension cases in the United States. Like any other type of hypertension, IDH can elevate the risk of stroke , heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, hardening of arteries, vision loss, and many other medical complications.

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Is Diastolic Hypertension Dangerous

Diastolic hypertension was initially thought to be the most important predicament of cardiovascular disease, more so than systolic. However, studies done in the last decade have proven the opposite. While systolic hypertension was always associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, this wasnt true for patients with elevated diastolic pressure whose systolic blood pressure was under 140 mm Hg.

The truth is that we are still unsure of the exact way in which diastolic hypertension affects the heart. The medical community is divided on this subject, with one part believing that diastolic hypertension is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and the other claiming otherwise. Studies done in the last few years support the idea that diastolic hypertension doesnt carry a direct risk of cardiovascular events.

Elevated diastolic blood pressure usually happens in people younger than 45, while systolic hypertension is more common in older adults. By managing diastolic hypertension, you could avoid developing systolic hypertension in your older years, and thereby also all the risk it carries. This is why it is important not to ignore diastolic hypertension.

Physical Activity And Sports

How much activity is needed to lower my blood pressure?

To lower your blood pressure, aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five times a week. Moderate activity is activity that gets you slightly warm and out of breath, but you should still be able to have a conversation brisk walking, swimming, cycling and gardening for example. If you are starting from scratch, or you have other medical conditions, you may need to build up to this level gradually. You can break your session up into 15 minutes twice a day or ten minutes three times a day.

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What Can I Expect If I Have This Condition

Since high blood pressure doesnt cause many symptoms at first, you probably wont feel any different with a high blood pressure diagnosis. But its important to follow your providers instructions to bring your blood pressure down so it doesnt cause serious illnesses later in life.

How long does high blood pressure last?

If you have primary high blood pressure, youll need to control it for the rest of your life.

If you have secondary high blood pressure, your blood pressure will most likely come down after you receive treatment for the medical problem that caused it. If a medication caused your high blood pressure, switching to a different medicine may lower your blood pressure.

What is the outlook for high blood pressure?

You can get seriously ill if you dont treat your high blood pressure. However, if you take the medicines your provider ordered, you can control your blood pressure. Exercising and eating healthy foods also helps lower your blood pressure.

Checking Blood Pressure At Home

Keeping track of blood pressure at home is important for many people, especially if you have high blood pressure. This helps you and your doctor find out if your treatment is working.

Your doctor may also suggest that you check your pressure at home if they think you may have “white coat hypertension.” It’s a real condition. The stress of being in a doctor’s office raises your blood pressure, but when you’re home, it’s normal.

Ask your doctor to recommend an easy-to-use home blood pressure monitor. Make sure the cuff fits properly. If your arm is too big for the cuff, the reading may be higher than your blood pressure really is. Ask your doctor for a larger cuff or make sure you buy a home monitor with a cuff that fits you.

You also can use a wrist blood pressure monitor, but they often aren’t as accurate. Follow the directions that come with the device to make sure you are using it correctly.

No matter which type of blood pressure monitor you have, it’s a good idea to take it to your doctor’s office. You can compare its reading to the numbers your doctor gets. Avoid caffeine, cigarettes, and exercise for at least 30 minutes before the test.

When you take your blood pressure at home, sit up straight in a chair and put both feet on the floor. Ask your doctor or nurse to show you the right way to position your arm so you get accurate readings.

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