Blood pressure can be divided into systolic and diastolic measurements. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is pumping, and diastolic blood pressure is measured when the heart is at rest. High diastolic blood pressure (diastolic hypertension) can predispose you to developing heart disease as well as strokes. Most treatments for diastolic hypertension work by lowering both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Step 1
Take first-line hypertension medications. Many kinds of medication can be used to treat hypertension, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, diuretics, beta blockers, renin inhibitors and calcium channel blockers. Each of these medications works to lower blood pressure using a different mechanism. They are often prescribed in combination to help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Step 2
Take second-line hypertension medications. If combinations of the first-line medications don't work, your doctor may prescribe other medications. These include classes of drugs called alpha blockers, alpha-beta blockers, vasodilators and central-acting agents. These medications may cause more side effects than the first-line treatments, but they can also be effective at treating diastolic hypertension.
Step 3
Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Smoking can raise your diastolic blood pressure, as can consuming alcohol. If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation.
Step 4
Limit your sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day. High amounts of sodium intake cause your body to retain fluids, thus making your heart pump harder and your blood pressure rise.
Step 5
Lose weight via diet and exercise. According to the Mayo Clinic, losing just 5 lbs. can lower your blood pressure.
Step 6
Minimize your stress, either by practicing relaxation techniques (such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises) or by minimizing stressful situations.
