What should you know about high diastolic blood pressure symptoms?

Diastolic pressure is the lower number, recorded while the heart relaxes between beats. A clinician considers both numbers, repeated measurements, medicines and health conditions. Persistent hypertension can damage blood vessels over time and is associated with Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease, Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attack. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and Obesity may also affect blood pressure.

If you feel unwell, sit safely and repeat the measurement after resting, using the correct cuff on a supported arm. Write down the result, symptoms, medicines and timing. Arrange medical advice for recurring headaches, visual changes or dizziness, even if a later reading improves. Never double a dose or stop treatment without advice. A review may include home monitoring and checks for contributing conditions.

Call emergency services for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion, a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, facial drooping, trouble speaking or sudden loss of vision. These symptoms may represent Stroke, Angina or another emergency and need immediate assessment rather than repeated home checks.

Ask whether your symptoms could have another cause, how to use your monitor, how long to keep a record, which readings require a call, and whether sleep, pain or medicines could be affecting your pressure.