Discover the Adverse Effects of Unmanaged Diastolic Blood Pressure on Organs, Arteries, and Well-being
An individual’s overall well-being is intricately tied to their heart health, with maintaining healthy blood pressure being paramount for effective management. When blood pressure falls within the recommended healthy range, approximately 120/80 mmHg, it indicates efficient blood pumping by the heart, ensuring oxygen and vital nutrients reach all parts of the body.
Conversely, unmanaged blood pressure can lead to various issues such as blood clots or organ failure. Shockingly, according to the World Health Organization, only 12% of the Indian population have their blood pressure under control, making it a primary contributor to cardiovascular diseases in India,” stated Dr. Anu Prabha, Research Scientist and Product Manager at Haystack Analytics.
“The two numbers in a blood pressure reading, namely systolic and diastolic, offer insight into distinct aspects of your heart’s function,” Dr. Prabha explained. “The systolic pressure (the higher number) gauges the force of blood against the artery walls, while the diastolic pressure (the lower number) reflects the pressure in your arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, facilitating blood refill for the next contraction.”
What constitutes low diastolic blood pressure
“Dr. Prabha emphasizes that a healthy diastolic blood pressure can be influenced by various lifestyle choices, such as an unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, stress, smoking, and the use of tobacco and excessive alcohol. Of these factors, smoking has the most substantial impact on heart health, surpassing the influence of the others,” she notes. She adds that it’s crucial to recognize that consistently high diastolic blood pressure can strain the heart and blood vessels, potentially resulting in severe health complications, including:
Organ Damage
Elevated diastolic blood pressure places undue stress on the heart, potentially causing the thickening of heart muscles over time. This heightened pressure can inflict damage on blood vessels, rendering them susceptible to blockages or ruptures, thereby disrupting blood flow to the heart or brain. Additionally, it may induce clot formation within organs, heightening the risk of organ damage.
Heart Disease
Untreated diastolic blood pressure issues can disrupt heart function, consequently affecting blood circulation throughout the body. This prolonged strain may play a role in the onset of coronary artery disease, diminishing the heart’s capacity to effectively pump blood, thereby increasing the risk of heart failure or stroke.
Kidney Damage
Persistent hypertension can exert significant strain on the delicate blood vessels of the kidneys, potentially resulting in impaired kidney function, chronic kidney disease, or eventual kidney failure. Regular monitoring is advised to facilitate timely medical intervention.
To mitigate these risks, individuals can adopt various lifestyle changes. Incorporating a balanced and nutritious diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals while minimizing processed food intake aligns with their DNA blueprint, aiding in a more efficient understanding of their body. Limiting alcohol consumption and toxin exposure is recommended to reduce the risk of uncontrolled blood pressure and promote overall well-being.
Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, not only aids in managing blood pressure and cardiovascular health but also helps maintain a healthy weight and manage stress levels in accordance with genetic predispositions.
Unmanaged diastolic blood pressure can have detrimental effects on organs, arteries, and overall well-being. However, through mindful dietary choices, regular physical activity, and stress management, individuals can effectively manage their condition.
Genomic assessments offer valuable insights into genetic predispositions to heart disorders, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about lifestyle, nutrition, and fitness to delay the onset of heart diseases. Prevention strategies informed by genetic insights enable individuals to take control of their health, promoting longevity and a higher quality of life.