Diastolic Blood Pressure

Other marker

Diastolic BP

Diastolic Blood Pressure

Category: Other
Unit: mmHg

The pressure remaining in your arteries between heartbeats, while the heart refills. The lower number in a blood pressure reading, and the more informative of the two in adults under 50.

PED Notes

Diastolic pressure reflects baseline arterial resistance, so a raised diastolic in a younger lifter often shows up before systolic drifts and is an early sign of reduced arterial compliance. AAS use is associated with increased aortic stiffness independent of the absolute pressure reading. Rising diastolic alongside a normal systolic still deserves attention. As with systolic, the target for enhanced athletes is the standard target: carrying more muscle does not protect the kidneys or the retina.

When high

Confirm first: repeat over 5-7 days, correct cuff size and technique, average several readings. See Systolic BP for full measurement guidance.

Why an isolated raised diastolic matters:

  • In adults under 50 it is the better predictor of cardiovascular risk, and it frequently rises before systolic does.
  • It tracks arterial stiffness, which AAS use increases independently of the pressure number itself.

Address the driver:

  • Check Haematocrit; raised viscosity lifts both numbers.
  • Review trenbolone, oral AAS, stimulants, and GH, all of which contribute.
  • Manage oestradiol sensibly for water and sodium balance rather than crashing it, which brings its own problems. See Estradiol.

Lifestyle and supplements: the same levers listed under Systolic BP apply, since interventions generally move both numbers.

Pharmacological options (physician-supervised):

When it is urgent:

  • Persistent readings above 120 diastolic, or above 110 with symptoms, warrant same-day medical review.

References:

  • Whelton, P. K., Carey, R. M., Aronow, W. S., et al. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults. Hypertension, 71(6), e13-e115. DOI: 10.1161/HYP.0000000000000065
  • Rasmussen, J. J., Schou, M., Madsen, P. L., et al. (2018). Increased blood pressure and aortic stiffness among abusers of anabolic androgenic steroids. Journal of Hypertension, 36(7), 1470-1477. DOI: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001728

When low

Low diastolic pressure (below 60 mmHg):

  • Common and usually harmless in well-trained individuals without symptoms.
  • A widening gap between systolic and diastolic, for example 140/55, is worth a clinician's opinion, as it can reflect arterial stiffness or aortic valve issues rather than simply good fitness.

Common causes in this population:

  • Aggressive pre-contest diuretic use, which is a frequent cause of collapse backstage.
  • Antihypertensive dosing that was set while a blood-pressure-raising compound was still being run.
  • Dehydration or very low sodium intake.

Action:

  • Check Sodium and Potassium where diuretics are involved.
  • Review medication dosing with the prescriber rather than stopping abruptly.

History Chart

Reading History

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

60 - 80 mmHg

Statistics