Diastolic Blood Pressure
The pressure that blood exerts on blood vessels is called blood pressure. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure are distinguished. The systolic blood pressure is generated by the contraction of the muscle of the left ventricle. It is always significantly higher than the diastolic. The diastolic blood pressure is the "rest" pressure that remains when the heart muscle relaxes. During the diastole phase, the chambers of the heart fill with blood from the atria, which is expelled into the vascular system during the next contraction (Systole).
The diastolic blood pressure value thus represents the lowest pressure in the vascular system - a baseline pressure to which the vessels are permanently exposed. Normal values for diastolic blood pressure are below 84 mmHg.
Another important function of diastole is the supply of the coronary arteries. During systole, the heart muscles contract so strongly that for fractions of a second, blood flow in the coronary vessels comes to a standstill. Only with the relaxation of the heart muscle does normal blood flow resume. During diastole, not only do the heart chambers fill, but there is also a supply to the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries originate from the aorta (main artery) directly at its origin, the so-called bulbus aortae. The openings of the coronary arteries are located in the spaces that form the pockets of the aortic valve. During systole, these openings are closed because the systolic pressure conditions in the large body artery are harmful to the coronary system. With the onset of diastole, these openings open. The diastolic pressure builds up and, combined with the windkessel function of the aorta and the large efferent blood vessels, supplies the coronary arteries.
This makes it clear that permanently high diastolic blood pressures have a destructive influence on the coronary heart system. While high systolic values damage the peripheral vascular system, can lead to strokes, destroy kidney function, and the like, excessively high diastolic blood pressure similarly damages the coronary vascular system. In both cases, sclerosis (hardening) of the arteries develops sooner or later. These sclerotic changes hinder blood flow, which is particularly sensitive in the coronary arteries. The "end product" of permanently high diastolic blood pressure is angina pectoris (chest pain) and myocardial infarction (heart attack).
To improve the oxygen and nutrient balance in the coronary arteries, it is advisable to increase the duration of diastole. This can be easily achieved by lowering the heart rate. Therefore, beta-blockers are the first choice for angina pectoris. This therapy must always be done in consultation with a doctor and must not be self-medication.
Sources:
By Sabine Croci.
This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (12/2023).
Information on the website and within the app cannot replace a consultation with a doctor, but can certainly complement it.
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