What does the word “diastolic” even mean? Well, if you are familiar with blood pressure readings, you know that it shows you two numbers: the one on the top and the one on the bottom. Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number and systolic blood pressure is the top number. A standard blood pressure is 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The “80” in that reading is diastolic blood pressure.
Diastolic blood pressure is the amount of effort, or force, the heart exerts on arterial walls (blood vessels) in between heartbeats while the heart is relaxed. According to health experts, a diastolic reading of 80 mmHg is considered normal, but a higher number than 80 could indicate high diastolic blood pressure.
If both your diastolic and systolic blood pressure readings are high, you have a higher risk of developing heart disease. Fortunately, there are things you can do, including lifestyle changes, therapies, etc., that can help you lower your diastolic blood pressure. Continue reading to learn more about how to do just that!
Exercise Regularly
By incorporating regular exercise throughout the week, you can help lower your diastolic blood pressure. One review found that people who exercised most days of the week had a diastolic reading of five to six points lower than those who did not do any physical activity. The standard recommendation is to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days per week. That will result in 150 minutes of exercise per week. To reach this goal, pick activities that you enjoy, including walking, dancing, Zumba, playing tennis, biking, or swimming. Short daily workouts can help you stay motivated and reach your goal.
Get Quality Sleep
Multiple studies confirm that insufficient sleep or poor quality sleep increases the risk of heart disease. While you are sleeping, systolic and diastolic blood pressure are lower than when you are awake. If you fail to get enough sleep or have an inconsistent sleep schedule, you may experience adverse health effects like high blood pressure. A restorative sleep schedule includes seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. If you have sleep problems or need help falling asleep, click here for help.
Eat A Heart-Healthy Diet
If you want to lower your diastolic blood pressure, you have to eat the right foods. Both the Mediterranean diet and DASH diet have been effective at lowering blood pressure. That’s because these diets focus on eating more fiber and potassium and choosing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean protein. Above all else, these diets do not include processed foods or foods that contain excess sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Consider speaking with a nutritionist if you need to improve your diet. They can help you better understand ingredient labels and develop a meal plan that best suits your needs.
Quit Smoking
Whether you smoke cigarettes or vape, using nicotine can cause blood pressure spikes. Smoking is a serious risk factor of heart disease, but quitting smoking can help reduce your blood pressure, which ultimately lowers your risk of heart disease. That said, it isn’t easy to quit smoking cold turkey. If you want to stop smoking, you may want to seek out resources that aid your quitting efforts. A mental health professional who specializes in substance use may be of great service.
Alternative And Complementary Therapies
These therapies do not replace medical treatment, but they may aid your efforts in lowering diastolic blood pressure. Consider the following alternative and complementary therapies:
- Yoga: One review found that people who did yoga three times per week lowered their diastolic blood pressure by about 6 mmHg over time.
- Garlic supplements: Currently, the existing evidence is mixed on this alternative therapy. Some studies, however, suggest that garlic supplements may lower diastolic blood pressure.
- Relaxation techniques: Visualization, deep breathing, and meditation can help promote relaxation and aid blood-pressure lowering efforts.
- Omega-3 supplements: One study found that people who took an omega-3 supplement each day experienced lower diastolic blood pressure. There are many foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, so adding those to your diet may also help lower blood pressure.
