What causes high diastolic blood pressure? Several factors contribute to high diastolic blood pressure. Some of these, such as obesity, can be controlled, but others cannot be prevented. Doctors describe blood pressure by two numbers: systolic and diastolic. For systolic pressure, the value is above the diastolic value. Systolic measures the pressure during the contraction of the heart, while diastolic is the pressure in between heartbeats. American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source reports that people put a lot of emphasis on the systolic number. However, every 10 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) increase in diastolic pressure in the 40-89 age group doubles the risk of heart disease or stroke. Doctors define isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) high diastolic pressure as above 80 mm HgTrusted source in people with normal systolic pressure. This article discusses common causes of high diastolic blood pressure and its risks, how to prevent high blood pressure and treatment options. Cause If someone has hypertension, they have elevated both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, elevated diastolic pressure occurs in isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH). Doctors classify stage 1 IDH as a diastolic blood pressure of 80-89 mm Hg. They classify stage 2 IDH as diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm HgTrusted source. IDH is rare and accounts for less than 20% of hypertension cases. Doctors do not understand why a person may develop diastolic hypertension. They suggest that narrowing of the arterioles causes it because of hormones in the body. Common causes of isolated diastolic hypertension are:

• endocrine disorders
• vascular disorders
• sleep apnea

However, some potential and preventable causes of IDH include: Obesity Doctors usually associateTrusted Source hypertension with obesity. However, they also associate being overweight and havingTrusted Source obesity with IDH. To reduce the risk of IDH, a person can take steps to achieve a moderate weight through diet and exercise. If they find it challenging to make dietary changes or increase physical activity, the doctor may suggest alternative weight management options. Alcohol consumption SomeTrusted Source studies show that alcohol consumption contributes to IDH. To help prevent high blood pressure, AHATrusted Source recommends that men consume no more than two alcoholic drinks per day and women no more than one alcoholic drink per day. AHA states that one drink is either:

• 12 ounces (oz) of beer
• 4 ounces of wine
• 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits
• 1 ounce of 100-percent spirits

ResearchTrusted Source links smoking to IDH. For example, aTrusted Source study conducted in China found that among people aged 90 and older, current or prior heavy smoking increased diastolic blood pressure. Elevated triglycerides, or blood fats, are another potential cause of IDH, which doctors also link to other health risks. Nearly one in three Americans has high triglyceride levels. When these blood fats are high, they lower "good" HDL cholesterol. When people have elevated triglycerides in their blood and high "bad" LDL cholesterol, it increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. People can lower blood triglyceride levels by making dietary changes. For example, following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fatty fish, fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help lowerTrusted Source blood triglyceride levels and IDH.   [cool_tag_cloud on_single_display="local"]