Sudden high diastolic blood pressure (DBP) can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common causes are stress and anxiety, medical conditions, lifestyle behaviors, and certain medications.
Stress and anxiety can be major contributors to sudden high DBP. During times of stress and anxiety, the body releases hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine, which cause constriction of the blood vessels, increasing DBP.
Additionally, strong emotions such as anger, fear, and excitement can cause the heart to beat faster and constrict the blood vessels, resulting in a spike in DBP.
Medical conditions can also cause sudden high DBP. These can range from anemia to heart disease and kidney disease. Conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and Cushing’s syndrome are all associated with high blood pressure.
Certain lifestyle behaviors can also lead to sudden spikes in DBP. These include drinking too much alcohol, smoking, and being inactive. Also, consuming too much salt or eating a diet high in saturated fat can cause high DBP.
The use of certain medications can also cause sudden spikes in DBP. Some medications such as birth control pills, decongestants, and corticosteroids may increase DBP. Also, over-the-counter medications with ingredients such as caffeine, ephedrine, and pseudoephedrine can cause an elevation in DBP.
In conclusion, sudden high DBP can be caused by many different factors in addition to an underlying medical condition. Lifestyle behaviors and certain medications can contribute to sudden increases in DBP.
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your DBP.
Table of Contents
What can cause an inaccurate diastolic reading?
Incorrect technique, use of an ill-fitting cuff, and improper positioning of the patient are all common causes. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as arrhythmias, can contribute to an incorrectly high or low reading.
Additionally, if the patient has recently smoked, eaten, or exercised, these can all lead to inaccurately high readings. Lastly, if the patient is naturally anxious, this can cause inaccurate readings if the patient is too tense when trying to take the measurement.
Does dehydration increase diastolic?
No, there is no evidence to suggest that dehydration increases diastolic. Diastolic is the bottom number of a blood pressure reading and indicates the force within the walls of your arteries as the heart rests between beats.
While dehydration can lead to an increase in systolic pressure (the top number of a blood pressure reading, which indicates the force as the heart beats) it does not directly affect the diastolic reading.
However, dehydration can contribute to other health issues that can cause an increase in diastolic pressure, such as high cholesterol levels and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). If you are experiencing elevated diastolic blood pressure, it is important to speak to your doctor in order to further investigate any underlying health issues in order to address them directly.
Is it normal for diastolic to fluctuate?
Yes, it is normal for diastolic to fluctuate, although it is typically lower and more stable than systolic pressure. Diastolic pressure is the lower number in a blood pressure reading and it is considered the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.
Factors like stress, activity level, diet, and even the time of day can all affect diastolic pressure to varying extents. It is important to keep track of diastolic readings over a period of time, to make sure the fluctuations remain within a normal range for a particular individual.
While it is normal for diastolic to fluctuate, if it is outside the normal range for an individual, it could be indicative of a health problem and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Can anxiety cause the diastolic number in blood pressure to go higher?
Yes, anxiety can cause the diastolic number in blood pressure to go higher. This is because when you’re anxious or stressed, your body releases a hormone called adrenaline. This hormone causes your blood pressure to increase.
The diastolic number is the bottom number on a blood pressure reading and indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting. When the diastolic number increases, it’s a sign that the body might be under a bit more stress or tension.
Because anxiety can trigger a whole-body response, it can cause the diastolic number to increase.
If someone’s diastolic blood pressure is higher than usual, it’s important to discuss this with a health professional. High blood pressure can be harmful and can lead to increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
However, if someone’s diastolic number is higher than average due to anxiety, relaxation exercises such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can be beneficial. Learning stress management techniques can also help reduce the body’s response to anxiety and keep blood pressure levels within a healthy range.
Can stress cause diastolic pressure to rise?
Yes, stress can cause diastolic pressure to rise. When we experience stress, our bodies respond by releasing hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which cause blood pressure to rise. In particular, diastolic pressure — the lower number in a blood pressure reading — is more likely than systolic pressure — the upper number in a blood pressure reading — to significantly increase in response to stress.
High levels of stress and anxiety can also lead to health problems that can directly impact diastolic pressure, such as high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. Chronic stress can also lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, and overeating, all of which can increase diastolic pressure.
Therefore, reducing stress through lifestyle changes, such as doing more physical activity and participating in techniques such as meditation and mindfulness, is essential for maintaining healthy diastolic pressure.
When should I be worried about my high diastolic blood pressure?
If your diastolic blood pressure is consistently high (greater than 90 mm Hg), it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If your diastolic pressure is higher than 120 mm Hg on a regular basis, you should be especially concerned.
High diastolic pressure can be an indication of a heart condition or other medical disorder. Conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, hormonal disorders, and kidney disease can all put you at greater risk for developing high diastolic blood pressure.
If your diastolic pressure is consistently high, it can also be a sign of arterial stiffening, which can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events. You should make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience a high diastolic pressure on a regular basis, or if you notice any unusual symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, medication, or additional tests to determine what is causing your high diastolic pressure.
What should I do if my diastolic pressure is high?
If your diastolic pressure is high, it is important to talk to your doctor to discuss possible causes for the elevated reading. Your physician can help identify any underlying issues that might be causing your diastolic pressure to be elevated and provide any necessary treatment or lifestyle changes.
In general, lifestyle changes are usually recommended to help keep your diastolic pressure controlled. These could include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, abstaining from smoking, reducing stress levels, and limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend taking medication to help manage your diastolic pressure. It is important to comply with your doctor’s treatment plan and follow-up with them regularly to make sure your diastolic pressure is well managed.
It is also important to track your diastolic pressure at home, and if you see any drastic changes in your readings, contact your doctor right away.
How can I bring my diastolic number down?
There are a number of steps you can take to lower your diastolic number, specifically the diastolic blood pressure (the lower number). Implementing lifestyle adjustments is key to bringing down your diastolic number:
1. Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity helps your body be more efficient at pumping blood throughout your body. In turn, this lowers the pressure exerted on your artery walls when your heart beats, resulting in lower diastolic numbers.
2. Lose weight. If you are overweight, it can put an added amount of pressure on your artery walls. Losing just 10 pounds can make a difference and help lower your diastolic number.
3. Eat healthier. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure, whereas eating the right foods (fruit, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains) can help lower that diastolic number.
4. Limit alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol can raise your diastolic number, so try to limit your consumption to one or two drinks per day.
5. Reduce stress. Stress can raise your blood pressure and make it harder for your heart to properly pump and relax, leading to higher diastolic readings. Taking time for yourself each day, practicing deep breathing, and trying stress-reduction techniques such as yoga or meditation can help reduce your diastolic numbers.
6. Consider medication. If lifestyle changes do not bring your diastolic number down to a safe level, your doctor may prescribe medications, such as ACE inhibitors or beta blockers, to help lower your diastolic number.
Can drinking water lower diastolic?
Yes, drinking water may lower diastolic blood pressure in some cases. Dehydration can lead to increased blood pressure, so drinking plenty of water can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Additionally, research has suggested that drinking 17 ounces (500 mL) of water can lead to a temporary decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
This decrease may last anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on the individual’s health.
When it comes to the long-term effects, studies have found that increased water intake may reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with hypertension, but the results for those without hypertension are inconclusive.
To get the most benefit, it is important to practice healthy eating habits, exercise regularly, and limit salt and alcohol intake, as these elements can all affect blood pressure.
How do I get diastolic pressure down?
Diastolic pressure, or the bottom number of your blood pressure reading, can be lowered through lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, reducing sodium intake, limiting alcohol and caffeinated beverages, quitting smoking, and reducing stress.
All of these interventions can help improve heart health and reduce blood pressure. Medications may also be necessary to lower diastolic blood pressure. Common blood pressure medications include diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs).
It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider whether any of these medications might be right for you. Additionally, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which is rich in fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and protein sources, such as fish and beans.
Following a DASH diet can help lower diastolic pressure, as well as total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
How long after drinking water will blood pressure go down?
It depends on the individual’s starting blood pressure and how strong the effects of the water are on their body. Generally speaking, it can take up to an hour after drinking water for some people to experience a noticeable difference in their blood pressure.
People with higher blood pressure may take longer to feel the effects of the water. Other factors, such as the person’s overall health, level of hydration, and medical history can also play a role in how quickly their blood pressure will return to normal after drinking water.
It’s important to remember that it is always critical to stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
