Why is the systolic blood pressure normal while the diastolic blood pressure is high?
Disease description:
I have been feeling dizzy for the past two days. After seeing a doctor, I was told that my systolic blood pressure is normal but my diastolic blood pressure is high. May I ask why my systolic pressure is normal while my diastolic pressure is elevated?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
When a patient presents with normal systolic blood pressure but elevated diastolic blood pressure, this may be caused by multiple factors:
1. Physiological factors: Diastolic pressure mainly reflects peripheral vascular resistance, which refers to the resistance of small arteries and arterioles to blood flow. When these blood vessels become narrowed or lose elasticity due to various causes (such as atherosclerosis, inflammatory responses, or changes in hormone levels), diastolic pressure may rise.
2. Age-related factors: With aging, vascular elasticity decreases and arterial stiffness increases, which may lead to elevated diastolic pressure.
3. Unhealthy lifestyle habits: Excessive salt intake, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, chronic lack of sleep, and insufficient physical activity can all potentially elevate diastolic pressure.
4. Overweight or obesity: Obesity increases the workload on the heart and can elevate blood pressure, especially diastolic pressure.
5. Psychological factors: Long-term stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotional states may also lead to elevated diastolic pressure.
6. Certain medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives) or medical conditions (e.g., kidney disease, hyperthyroidism) may also act as contributing factors.
If concerned, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation.
