Monday, December 08, 2008 dokinawa asks

Q: How do you control high diastolic blood pressure?

I have been on several medications for the past 2 years and have yet to determine a way to lower my diastolic b.p. I am 36 years old, no family history of high blood pressure, kidney ultrasounds are fine, all blood tests are normal, good HDL/LDL levels and do not have a thyroid problem. I work out on average 1 - 1 1/2 hours a day, 3-5 days a week. Even on the days my bp is manageable, my diastolic number rarely gets below 97, even when the systolic number is at 129. Any suggestions or recommendations?

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Answers (2)

Martin Cane, M.D., Health Pro

12/10/08 8:52pm

dokinawa,

Thanks for your question.

It sounds like you are doing as much as possible on your side of the treatment plan. I do have a few suggestions that might already be following, but for completeness I'll mention them. Diet is a very important part of treatment for high blood pressure. Limiting salt intake is vital, so remove the salt shaker from the table, avoid processed foods, canned foods (especially soups) that usually contain high levels, and fast food restaurants. Be sure you are doing everything possible to keep your weight at the right level. And continue to minimize all other risk factors for heart disease, which in your case only leaves smoking.

Getting control of high blood pressure (hypertension) can be challenging for both the patient and the physician. In many cases, it is a long process of trial and error, and your doctor may have to use multiple drugs simultaneously. In some cases, a consultation with a hypertension specialist, a nephrologist (kidney specialist) is necessary.

So continue your exercise program, healthy eating, and weight control. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your physician, and if success is still not obtained, ask about the need for a consultation with a nephrologist.

I hope this has been helpful. Be sure to review this website for more tips about lifestyle changes that can help in controlling your pressure.

Best wishes.

Martin Cane, M.D.

DanTMan16

4/25/12 11:54pm

I have the same problem with the diastolic being high much of the time. But I also have both the systolic along with the diastolic high. I've consulted with my cardiologist and you might be interested in what I've found out. He first explained to me that the diastolic number represents the pressure measurement of the 'old' blood (blood that has used up its oxygen) coming back through the right ventricle, in order to be reoxygenated by the lungs and then the reoxygenated blood is pumped through and out the left ventricle back into your body. When the diastolic number is high, this means that the blood vessels/arteries are 'constricted' creating excessive pressure. I would compare this to ''sucking through a McDonald's Straw' vs. sucking through a small-narrow cocktail straw.'' Some symptoms I've noticed when this happens is I get short of breath with activity; dizzy; weak in muscles and very tired. You might want to consult with your physician and perhaps he might want to have an echocardiogram to make sure you do not have a condition called 'pulmonary hypertension', especially if you are having any symptoms. Perhaps you might need some additional medication along with diet, salt control and regular exercise. I hope this will help.

Q: How do you control high diastolic blood pressure?

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