Feb 2006, Simply Her
Health question regarding diastolic blood pressure
Question: I have been diagnosed with hypertension and have been on medication for a while. I also exercise regularly, almost daily, but I still have a diastolic blood pressure of 85-95. Is that OK?
Normal systolic blood pressure should be less than 140mm Hg, whereas normal diastolic blood pressure should be less than 90mm Hg, says Dr Wong Teck Wee, consultant cardiologist and physician, Singapore Heart, Stroke and Cancer Centre.
The most common cause for hypertension is "essential hypertension" which means there is no obvious underlying cause, he adds. So, the blood pressure is usually attributed to genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors.
Blood pressure can be transiently elevated when you are in a stressful condition, within half an hour after coffee, tea, alcohol and large meal consumption.
Prior to blood pressure measurement, you should rest for at least half an hour at your doctor's clinic and stay relaxed. |
