Treatment of isolated diastolic hypertension

Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. Isolated diastolic hypertension means the lower reading is raised while the upper reading is not raised in the same way. One measurement cannot establish a diagnosis because stress, pain, caffeine, activity, cuff size and technique can alter a reading.

A clinician may compare clinic and home measurements, review kidney health, sleep, weight, tobacco, alcohol and medicines, and assess your wider risk. The aim is to treat the person and the pattern of readings rather than chase one number.

Use a validated cuff that fits your arm, rest before measuring, keep your arm supported and record readings with the time and circumstances. Take prescribed medicine consistently and ask before using decongestants, anti-inflammatory pain medicines or supplements that may affect pressure.

Reducing excess salt, choosing nourishing meals, moving regularly, avoiding tobacco, moderating alcohol and treating sleep problems can support blood pressure control. Your clinician may arrange blood tests or further checks before selecting or adjusting medicine.

Call emergency services for chest pressure, severe breathlessness, fainting, new facial droop or weakness, difficulty speaking, sudden confusion or a severe unusual headache. These symptoms can signal problems such as stroke or heart disease and need urgent assessment. Arrange a routine review for persistently high readings or medicine side effects such as troublesome dizziness or swelling.

Ask how to measure at home, whether you need ambulatory monitoring, what your overall risk assessment shows, and whether kidney, sleep or other health checks are appropriate. Ask what side effects to watch for and when your readings should be reviewed.