Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest (in contrast to systolic measurements, which are taken when your heart is actively pumping). High diastolic blood pressure can cause strain on your heart because it has to pump harder to push the blood, leading to an increased risk of heart disease. High blood pressure can also speed atherosclerosis. For this reason, your doctor may recommend that you lower your diastolic blood pressure.
Step 1
Take first-line medications. First-line hypertension medications are those that are most commonly prescribed initially to treat diastolic hypertension. These include diuretics (often thiazide), beta blockers, drugs that block the effects of angiotensin (either by blocking its production via ACE inhibitors or by blocking its signal via receptor blockers), renin inhibitors and calcium channel blockers. All of these medications are commonly prescribed (often in combination) to treat hypertension and can help lower your diastolic blood pressure.
Step 2
Take second-line medications. If the first-line medications are not effective at lowering your diastolic blood pressure, your doctor may recommend other medications which, while effective, may cause more side effects. These include alpha blockers, central acting agents (which tell the brain to slow your heart rate and the intensity of the heart beat) and vasodilators (which relax the muscles around your arteries).
Step 3
Lose excess weight. Eating a healthy diet and exercising will help you lose weight and will also help you lower your blood pressure. Try to lower your sodium intake as well as saturated fats.
Step 4
Avoid tobacco and heavy drinking. Both of these habits can increase your diastolic blood pressure.
Step 5
Decrease your stress levels. Try to avoid stressful situations and reactions. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.
