Blood pressure is an important health indicator and is measured using two numbers – the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number). The systolic reading represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, while the diastolic reading represents the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats. A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mmHg. Readings between 120-129/80-84 mmHg are considered elevated, and readings of 130/85 mmHg or higher indicate high blood pressure or hypertension. In this article, we will specifically look at whether a diastolic reading of 125 mmHg can be considered high.
What is Diastolic Blood Pressure?
As mentioned earlier, the diastolic blood pressure represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. It indicates the minimum pressure needed for blood flow through the arteries. Diastolic pressure is considered the bottom number of a blood pressure reading.
Some key points about diastolic blood pressure:
- It reflects the pressure against arteries when the heart is relaxed and refilling with blood.
- It shows the minimum pressure needed to keep blood circulating between heartbeats.
- It is one of the key numbers used to assess heart health and risk of cardiovascular problems.
- Low diastolic pressure can sometimes indicate an unhealthy heart.
- High diastolic pressure is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk than high systolic pressure.
Monitoring diastolic pressure over time provides important clues about changes in cardiac health and potential issues that need medical attention.
Normal Diastolic Blood Pressure Range
Diastolic pressure normally ranges between 60-80 mmHg in healthy adults. According to American Heart Association guidelines:
- Normal diastolic pressure: Less than 80 mmHg
- Elevated diastolic pressure: 80-89 mmHg
- Stage 1 hypertension: 90-99 mmHg
- Stage 2 hypertension: 100 mmHg or higher
As a general rule, diastolic pressure between 60-80 mmHg is considered healthy. Readings above 80 mmHg indicate some risk, while readings above 90 mmHg confirm hypertension.
However, the optimal diastolic range may vary slightly based on age:
- 20-40 years: 60-80 mmHg
- 41-59 years: 65-85 mmHg
- 60+ years: 70-90 mmHg
For people over age 65, a diastolic pressure up to 90 mmHg may still be normal. Discuss optimal targets with your doctor.
Is a Diastolic Reading of 125 mmHg High?
Yes, a diastolic pressure of 125 mmHg is very high and dangerously so. This reading is well above the range for stage 2 hypertension, which is defined as diastolic pressure 100 mmHg or greater.
A reading of 125 mmHg indicates a severe hypertensive crisis that requires immediate medical intervention to prevent organ damage and other catastrophic outcomes like stroke, kidney failure or heart attack.
Some key points about a diastolic reading this high:
- It is an emergency hypertensive crisis requiring rapid treatment.
- It can damage blood vessels and lead to life-threatening complications.
- It often causes severe headaches, shortness of breath, nosebleeds and anxiety.
- It increases risk for organ damage, especially in the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes.
- It requires rapid blood pressure reduction under medical supervision.
- Lifestyle changes alone cannot fix a problem this severe.
A diastolic reading of 125 mmHg is a major red flag that indicates seriously elevated blood pressure requiring immediate medical treatment, typically with intravenous medications to quickly lower blood pressure.
Dangers and Complications
Extremely high diastolic pressure like 125 mmHg can lead to:
Heart Attack and Stroke
The dangerously high pressure can damage blood vessels, cause arteries to harden and increase the risk for blockages. This significantly raises the risk of both heart attack and stroke.
Aneurysm
The pressure can also cause weaknesses and bulges in artery walls known as aneurysms. A ruptured aneurysm leads to dangerous internal bleeding.
Kidney Damage
The kidneys have a dense network of blood vessels that can be damaged. Kidney failure or end stage renal disease is a possible outcome.
Eye Damage
The tiny blood vessels supplying the eyes can be affected, leading to vision damage or blindness.
Cognitive Decline
The brain is dependent on a constant healthy blood supply. High pressure damages vessels and reduces flow, increasing the risk for vascular dementia.
Pulmonary Edema
In the lungs, elevated pressure causes fluid buildup and shortness of breath. This is called pulmonary edema and makes breathing difficult.
Prompt treatment is vital to avoid any of these catastrophic complications and organ damage when diastolic pressure reaches dangerously high levels.
Causes and Risk Factors
What could cause diastolic pressure to reach as high as 125 mmHg? Some possibilities include:
Untreated Hypertension
Consistently high blood pressure that is undetected or ignored can keep rising to dangerously high levels. Make sure to get regular screenings.
Undiagnosed Secondary Causes
In some cases, an underlying condition may be causing elevated pressure. This includes sleep apnea, thyroid disorders or kidney disease.
Pregnancy
Preeclampsia during pregnancy can suddenly spike blood pressure to very high numbers. This requires emergency treatment.
Medication Issues
Some medications, as well as recreational drugs like cocaine, can drive blood pressure numbers up.
High-Salt Diet
Consuming excessive sodium causes fluid retention, stiffening of vessels and hypertension.
Obesity
Being significantly overweight puts extra strain on the heart and circulatory system, raising blood pressure.
Alcohol/Smoking
Heavy alcohol use or smoking can damage blood vessels and cause pressure to rise.
Stress
High levels of mental or emotional stress boosts blood pressure due to hormone changes.
Older Age
Blood pressure tends to increase with age as arteries gradually lose elasticity over time.
The underlying cause needs to be determined and treated in order to safely manage and lower extremely high diastolic pressure.
Immediate Next Steps If Diastolic Pressure is 125 mmHg
If faced with a diastolic reading of 125 mmHg, the following are urgent next steps:
- Seek emergency medical care immediately, such as calling an ambulance or going to an ER.
- Report any symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or strange neurological changes.
- Avoid any exertion which can tax the cardiovascular system further.
- Try to remain calm until help arrives.
- Note down any recent changes like new medications, diet or stress levels.
- Bring a complete list of all current prescription medications.
- Be prepared to have blood pressure lowered quickly through IV medications.
- Expect further testing like bloodwork, urinalysis, MRI or CT scans.
- Anticipate being admitted to the hospital for close monitoring during treatment.
- Ask about follow up care like rehabilitation to lower risks going forward.
Extremely elevated diastolic pressure should always be treated as a hypertensive emergency requiring the prompt attention of healthcare professionals to prevent disability or death. Do not wait to seek help.
How Doctors Treat This Reading
When diastolic pressure reaches 125 mmHg, doctors immediately act to lower it to safer levels. Treatment steps normally include:
- IV anti-hypertensive medications to quickly relax blood vessels.
- Monitoring in an ICU setting to watch for organ damage.
- Oxygen therapy if respiratory function is impaired.
- Medications to slow down the heart rate.
- Pain relievers for headaches or chest pain.
- Sedation if needed to reduce anxiety and lower pressure.
- Testing for underlying causes like thyroid dysfunction.
- Avoidance of oral medicines which act more gradually.
- Emergency dialysis if the kidneys are damaged.
- Surgery if there are vascular ruptures or internal bleeding.
Doctors focus on safely and rapidly lowering pressure to protect vital organs. Oral medications may be added later to help control hypertension after the emergency resolves.
Lifestyle Changes to Lower High Diastolic Pressure
Once an episode of severely elevated diastolic pressure is treated and controlled, lifestyle adjustments are necessary to keep it at safer ranges going forward. Some helpful tips include:
- Following a heart-healthy diet lower in salt, fat and sugars.
- Exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
- Drinking alcohol only in moderation if at all.
- Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke.
- Learning stress management techniques.
- Taking all medications as prescribed.
- Monitoring blood pressure routinely at home.
- Getting enough quality sleep each night.
Modest weight loss, a diet emphasizing whole foods, exercise, and stress control can all help keep blood pressure optimized. But medication is also vital for controlling chronic hypertension.
Preventing Diastolic Pressure Crisis
The best way to avoid a diastolic pressure crisis is through prevention:
- Get blood pressure screened routinely by a doctor.
- Discuss risks and optimal target numbers with your physician.
- Have any elevated readings evaluated promptly.
- Take medications to lower blood pressure as directed.
- Modify lifestyle factors like diet, exercise and stress.
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels at most.
- Maintain a lean weight through healthy diet and physical activity.
Catching and properly treating cases of mild to moderate hypertension can prevent episodes of extremely high and hazardous blood pressure.
Warning Signs of Very High Diastolic Pressure
Look out for the following signs that may indicate an urgent hypertensive crisis requiring emergency care:
- Severe headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Pounding in the chest, neck or ears
- Dizziness or fainting
- Vision changes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain
- Anxiety, confusion or agitation
- Seizures
Do not ignore these types of symptoms. Have blood pressure evaluated immediately or call emergency services if very high readings are suspected.
Key Takeaways on Diastolic Pressure of 125 mmHg
In summary:
- A diastolic pressure of 125 mmHg indicates a hypertensive crisis.
- This reading is dangerously high and requires emergency treatment.
- It can lead to organ damage, stroke, heart attack or death if left untreated.
- Intravenous medications will be used to quickly lower pressure.
- Lifestyle changes and oral medications help manage hypertension after the crisis.
- Routine screening and preventive care reduces the risks of severe spikes in blood pressure.
Extremely high diastolic pressure should never be ignored or underestimated. Prompt medical treatment is vital for protecting health and life when readings climb this high. Ongoing management can help keep pressure controlled at safer levels.
