From the Research
Medical treatment for high diastolic blood pressure should be considered when readings consistently exceed 90 mmHg, especially if they remain elevated after 2-4 weeks of lifestyle modifications. If your diastolic pressure is severely elevated (above 120 mmHg) or if you have other cardiovascular risk factors, diabetes, kidney disease, or signs of organ damage, medication may be needed immediately rather than waiting. First-line medications typically include ARBs (such as losartan) 1, calcium channel blockers (like amlodipine), or thiazide diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide). These are usually started at low doses and adjusted based on response. The urgency for treatment increases with higher readings and additional risk factors. Some key points to consider when managing high diastolic blood pressure include:
- Lifestyle changes should always accompany medication, including reducing sodium intake, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking.
- High blood pressure damages blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage, which is why controlling it promptly is important for long-term health.
- The choice of medication may depend on the presence of other health conditions, such as heart failure or kidney disease.
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure and adjustment of medication as needed is crucial to achieve and maintain optimal blood pressure control. Given the equal outcome efficacy but fewer adverse events with ARBs compared to ACE inhibitors 1, ARBs may be a preferred first-line treatment option for patients with high diastolic blood pressure.