Why is diastolic pressure high and systolic normal

How potassium can help control high blood pressure. Caffeine is a stimulant that can raise blood pressure. If you have hypertension, try to limit your intake, particularly before activities that can raise blood pressure, such as exercise. Drinking excess alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Consume it in moderation. That means two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. Avoid foods and drinks that contain added sugars or sweeteners, such as soft drinks, cakes, and candies.

A analysis of 15 studies suggests that dark chocolate may slightly reduce blood pressure. Ried K, et al. A meta-analysis. DOI: The DASH eating plan can help you practice a heart-healthy diet. According to the National Institutes of Health, several studies have shown that following the DASH diet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

DASH eating plan. Sometimes, you can consume foods with too many calories, sodium, or fat without knowing it. You can avoid this by carefully reading food labels, noting things such as calories per serving, sodium, and fat content. Losing a little bit of weight can help a lot in lowering your blood pressure.

In fact, you can lower your blood pressure by approximately 1 mmHg for every two pounds you lose. Mayo Clinic Staff. A larger waistline can put you at a greater risk of heart disease.

Generally speaking, to reduce their risk, men should aim to keep their waistline under 40 inches. Women should try for less than 35 inches. Heart-healthy living. Not only can aerobic activities and exercises help you lose weight, but they can also help you lower your blood pressure. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week. Stress is another thing that can raise your blood pressure.

Try to avoid things that trigger stress. Practicing activities such as meditation or deep breathing may also help lower stress. The nicotine in cigarettes is a stimulant that can increase your blood pressure. It can also lead to injury of the walls of your blood vessels.

Not only is quitting smoking beneficial for your overall health, but it can also help lower your blood pressure. Although more research may be needed, some studies show that supplements such as garlic can help lower blood pressure. Ried K. Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, regulates serum cholesterol, and stimulates immunity: An updated meta-analysis and review.

Probiotics are bacteria that are beneficial to your digestion. A review article suggests that taking probiotics may work to lower blood pressure. Upadrasta A, et al. Probiotics and blood pressure: Current insights. S However, more studies are needed to gain a better understanding of how exactly probiotics affect blood pressure.

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I want to get healthier. Close Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss Close Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Sign me up. The American Heart Association AHA state that although people put a lot of emphasis on the systolic number, each increase of 10 millimeters of mercury mm Hg in diastolic pressure among people aged 40—89 doubles their risk for heart disease or stroke.

In this article, we discuss the common causes of high diastolic blood pressure, how to prevent high blood pressure , and the treatment options. There are various possible causes of high diastolic pressure. A person may be able to control some of these by making lifestyle choices. According to a review , a person can reduce their risk of developing high blood pressure by decreasing the amount of sodium that they consume each day.

Hypertension high blood pressure is usually associated with obesity. A person can take steps to reach a moderate weight through diet and exercise. If a person finds it difficult to make dietary changes or increase their physical activity, a doctor can suggest alternative weight management options. According to the AHA , physical activity can help a person lower their blood pressure.

It can also improve their heart health and reduce their weight. The AHA recommend minutes a week of moderate-to-intense physical activity, such as walking briskly, running, or bicycling.

To help prevent high blood pressure, the AHA recommend that males do not consume more than two drinks per day, and females do not consume more than one drink per day. Learn more about ways to reduce alcohol consumption. These include :. There are certain risk factors for high blood pressure that a person cannot control. They include:. Researchers have identified a gene in African American people that may make them more sensitive to salt. For every half a teaspoon of salt that people with this gene consume, their blood pressure could increase by as much as 5 mm Hg.

People with this gene may, therefore, need to monitor their diet closely, as they may be at higher risk of developing high blood pressure as a result of excessive salt consumption. The CDC state that males and females are equally likely to develop high blood pressure in their lifetime. However, according to the National Institute on Aging NIA , males are more likely to develop high blood pressure before the age of 55 years, while females are more likely to develop high blood pressure after menopause.

High blood pressure does not typically cause notable symptoms. The AHA note that the common belief that high blood pressure will cause sweating, facial flushing, or a feeling of nervousness is a myth. However, a person may experience nosebleeds or headaches if they are in a state of hypertensive crisis.