Diastolic (lower) Blood Pressure
 

There are several articles on this subject; the latest school of thought is that too low a reading (below 60) is inviting a higher probability of heart disease; even amongst those with lower Systolic (upper) readings.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news...g_hypertension

Figured it would be of some interest here. I'm gonna make that appointment wi the Quack to get checked out . . . . :eek:

Any thoughts, guys?

I'm consistantly 118/78 to 139/77 my bottom # stays pretty much the same but depending on the day my upper # is all over the place. I'm on meds since my stroke 2 years ago but dropped the statin and feel much better. I'm going to see the doc soon and break the news that I dropped the statin and see what happens.

My wife had her statins reduced by the Doc; her pressure soared. Another doctor restored them but it took a long time for the pressure to return to what it was.

More on the subject:

Is having a high top number (systolic) blood pressure, but a normal bottom number (diastolic) cause for concern?

Answers from Sheldon G. Sheps, M.D.

Yes. If you have a diastolic number — the bottom number of a blood pressure measurement — less than 90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and a systolic number — the top number of a blood pressure measurement — greater than 140 mm Hg, you have a common type of high blood pressure called isolated systolic hypertension.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-...n/faq-20058527

The article is about the overuse of drugs, not about folks who have naturally low BP.

Yes, you got that right. The title of the Johns Hopkins news release is:
Doctors: Beware of Low Diastolic Blood Pressure When Treating Hypertension

I was told that only athletes had a DBP of 65. I'm not an athlete, but mine's lower than that most of the time.
And here's me cutting back on the fish and chips where salt is obligatory. Some things are gonna have to change . . .

My BP is usually quite low. I had two weeks recently when it was high, but usually it sits somewhere in between 120/65 and 110/55 or so.

My Drs don't seem worried.

That's reassuring; your figures sound very like mine. Google informs me of some weird and wonderful medical stuff sometimes . . . .I don't think the quack is too impressed wi my expertise when I try to tell him his job . . .

The OP is reading far too much into the data.

The article is about low diastolic pressure in patients using drugs to lower blood pressure. There's no basis for a conclusion regarding those with naturally low diastolic pressure.

By the same token, the low diastolic pressure may be an indicator of a problem rather than a cause. By that I mean it may be that the low diastolic pressures may be the result of aggressive blood pressure treatments. So, it's possible, or even plausible that the treatment itself is the issue, or that the underlying need for such aggressive treatment may be the issue.

My blood pressure has always been quite low. I remember in biology class in high school the teacher made my partner measure it three or four times because he couldn't believe how low it was (I don't remember the exact figures). Now I'm in my mid-fifties and ride at least 50 miles a week year round. BP is normally around 105/65. Doctors have never even hinted that there was something to worry about.

And if your diastolic pressure was 55 instead of 65 . . "Hmmmm!" (screws monocle into place) "Very interrresting! . . ." I'm late 60's btw. Pulse rate usually below 50.

Sign of a coffee deficiency. :)

Never drink anything else . . . . I need more beer!

diastolic pressure is always between 45 and 55. Systolic varies from 95 to 134. At age 75+ I try to ride 150 to 250 mi per week. My Cardiologist is impressed with my heart and has taken up cycling himself.

As a young man powerlifting in national level meets and being a 30yr old Type 1 diabetic my lower numbers would often be in the 50’s. Today, as a 60yr old cyclist the lower is mostly in the high 60’s. No heart disease here. But then, I have maintained conditioning since 1973.

Love this. :lol:

And THAT is just what I wanted to hear! Thank you.,