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Blood pressure is measured with two different readings know as systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. The diastolic measurement is the amount of pressure in blood vessels when the heart is relaxed. A rise in diastolic blood pressure can be caused by one or more factors.
Salt
Salt causes water retention, which increases the volume of liquid within blood vessels, causing an increase in diastolic blood pressure.
Obesity
Obese individuals require a higher blood volume than normal to provide all parts of the body with blood, which increases blood pressure.
Smoking
Smoking causes high diastolic blood pressure, as well as increased risk of blood clots and damage to the cells within arteries and blood vessels.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol that partially blocks an artery or blood vessel makes it difficult for blood to pass through, which causes blood pressure to rise and forces the heart to work harder.
Disease
High diastolic blood pressure may be accompanied by kidney disease, heart disease, lung disease or numerous other ailments that exasperate the problem.
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