The Silent Threat: Exploring the Risks of Low Diastolic Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is the force exerted inside your blood vessels as the heart beats and stops. This force is measured in mm Hg and is represented as two numbers. The upper number, called your systolic pressure, is measured when the heart beats. The lower number, called your diastolic pressure, is measured when the heart rests between beats.

Taking certain medications and aging can cause low diastolic blood pressure. Low diastolic blood pressure can occur even if you have normally low blood pressure (hypotension). Treatment of low diastolic blood pressure depends largely on the type of hypotension.

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Causes of Low Diastolic Blood Pressure

• Medicines

Alpha-blocker medications are blood pressure medications that work to open or dilate blood vessels. Because they reduce diastolic pressure more than systolic pressure, they can cause diastolic hypotension. If you are taking an alpha-blocker and your diastolic blood pressure is low, the doctor may prescribe a different high blood pressure medication.

• Due to Aging

As we age, our arteries lose elasticity. In some older adults, the arteries become so stiff that they cannot relax between heartbeats, causing diastolic blood pressure to drop. If your diastolic pressure is low and you are not taking blood pressure medication, your only option may be to check with your doctor frequently and take care of your heart health.

• Low Blood Pressure

There are several common causes of hypotension, including a low diastolic number. Treatment of general hypotension depends on the cause. For some people, especially those over 60, lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 with medication can bring diastolic pressure below 60.

Overtreatment of high blood pressure can be controlled by adjusting or changing medications. The goal is to keep diastolic blood pressure between 60 and 90 mm Hg.

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Apart from blood pressure, many medicines can cause hypotension like -

• diuretic drugs

• Parkinson's disease medications

• antidepressant

• Medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction

• Heart Conditions

Some heart problems can cause hypotension. These may include:

• heart valve problem

• heart failure

• very slow heart rate (bradycardia)

If you have any such problem then consult your doctor.

• Dehydration

Dehydration can also cause hypotension. If you don't drink enough fluids, your blood pressure can drop dangerously low. This may happen if you are taking diuretic medications.

Some people may experience low blood pressure due to the following reasons:

• nerve-mediated hypotension

• A change in position, such as lying down or sitting and then standing up, which may temporarily lower blood pressure

• diabetes

• anemia

• alcohol use, especially while taking certain medications

• pregnancy

• blood loss

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Symptoms of isolated diastolic hypotension include:

• Tiredness

• Dizziness

• Fall

Because low diastolic pressure reduces blood flow to the heart, you may have chest pain or even symptoms of heart failure, including:

• difficulty breathing

• swelling in your feet or ankles

• Confusion

• heart palpitation

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Low diastolic blood pressure does not cause major health concern. But in some cases, it can be life threatening. Complications of low diastolic blood pressure include:

• Risk of Injury From Falling

If your blood pressure is low enough, it can cause symptoms such as fainting or dizziness. There is a great risk of falling due to this. This can cause serious injuries like head injury.

• Heart Tissue Damage and Heart Disease

Researchers have found an association between low diastolic blood pressure and heart damage.

A 2020 study found that there may be a link between low diastolic blood pressure and certain cardiovascular problems, such as stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.

A 2023 study suggests that health conditions such as diabetes that can cause initial high blood pressure may eventually lead to low diastolic blood pressure. This is because inflammation causes vascular damage and blood vessel walls become damaged due to high blood pressure. This damage can lead to heart failure.

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Some things you can do to help prevent and manage low diastolic pressure include:

• Reducing Salt Intake

• Eating Plenty of Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains, and Lean Proteins for Heart Health

• Drink Plenty of Fluids and Avoid Alcohol

• Being Physically Active

• Keep Weight Under Control

• Not Smoking

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Hypotension can be dangerous because it often causes falls. Isolated diastolic hypotension can reduce blood flow to your heart. Over time, isolated diastolic hypotension can potentially lead to heart failure.

When your blood pressure is checked, pay attention to your diastolic number. If your bottom number is 60 mm Hg or less, talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of hypotension or heart failure. In many cases, lifestyle changes as well as changing medications can help.