What causes high blood pressure specifically in the lower reading?

In general, high diastolic blood pressure refers to elevated diastolic pressure. High diastolic pressure may be caused by unhealthy dietary habits, genetic factors, pheochromocytoma, aortic valve stenosis, Cushing's syndrome, and other reasons. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor’s recommendations for treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Unhealthy Dietary Habits

Long-term consumption of high-salt, high-fat, and high-calorie diets can lead to water and sodium retention, thickening of blood vessel walls, and atherosclerosis, thereby causing elevated diastolic pressure. In addition to high diastolic pressure, symptoms such as weight gain, edema, and headache may occur. It is important to improve dietary habits by limiting intake of salt, fat, and calories, while increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and dietary fiber.

2. Lack of Physical Activity

Chronic lack of exercise can reduce metabolic rate, impair blood circulation, and decrease vascular elasticity, all of which may affect blood pressure, including diastolic pressure. Insufficient physical activity means the heart muscle does not receive adequate training, reducing the heart's efficiency during contraction and relaxation, potentially leading to increased diastolic pressure. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and palpitations. Medication is usually unnecessary; instead, improvement can be achieved through regular physical activity. Engage in moderate aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, running, or swimming for at least 150 minutes per week.

3. Anemia

Anemia primarily results from a reduced number of red blood cells or decreased hemoglobin concentration in peripheral blood, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. To meet the body’s oxygen demands, the heart must contract more forcefully and increase blood flow, which may cause diastolic pressure to rise. Besides elevated diastolic pressure, symptoms may include pallor, fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and shortness of breath. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as ferrous sulfate tablets, folic acid tablets, and vitamin B12 tablets.

4. Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis is a common valvular heart disease, primarily caused by rheumatic or age-related calcific degeneration. In aortic stenosis, the heart must pump harder to force blood through the narrowed valve into the aorta, increasing cardiac workload and raising blood pressure. Symptoms may include angina, syncope (fainting), and dyspnea (shortness of breath). Treatment under medical supervision may include medications such as nitroglycerin tablets, furosemide tablets, and digoxin tablets.

5. Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis mainly results from lipid abnormalities, hypertension, diabetes, and other factors that lead to lipid deposition, fibrous tissue proliferation, and calcium buildup in arterial walls, forming plaques. These changes thicken and stiffen the arterial walls and narrow the lumen, increasing resistance to blood flow. As a result, the heart must exert greater force to propel blood, leading to elevated diastolic pressure. Other possible symptoms include headache, dizziness, and limb numbness. Under medical guidance, treatment may involve medications such as atorvastatin calcium tablets, enteric-coated aspirin tablets, and nitroglycerin tablets.

To prevent and improve high diastolic blood pressure, it is important to maintain healthy eating habits, engage in regular physical activity, avoid prolonged stress, monitor blood pressure regularly, and consult a healthcare professional promptly if abnormalities are detected.