Blood Pressure 116/47 mmHg: What Does It Indicate?

Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD | Medically reviewed by Robin Backlund, BHSc
Last update: March 29, 2024

What is isolated diastolic hypotension?

Isolated diastolic hypotension, a lesser-known but crucial cardiovascular condition, opens a window into the nuanced aspects of heart health, offering insights beyond the conventional understanding of blood pressure norms.

This condition is characterized by lower-than-normal diastolic blood pressure—the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats—while the systolic pressure may remain within a normal range like in the case of 116/47 mmHg.

This unique blood pressure pattern sets it apart from the more commonly discussed hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), where both or one of the pressure readings deviate significantly from the norm.

Understanding isolated diastolic hypotension is pivotal for medical practitioners, as it aids in identifying patients who might be at risk of cardiovascular events despite having a normal systolic reading.

For instance, a paper published in 1999 by Dr. Heikki Luukinen, MD, and colleagues in JAMA Internal Medicine identified an effective treatment regimen utilizing vasodilators and volume-depleting medications for individuals with isolated diastolic hypotension.

This knowledge prompts a more tailored approach to managing and monitoring heart health, ensuring that treatment strategies encompass the full spectrum of blood pressure abnormalities.

Awareness of this condition is essential, not only for healthcare professionals but also for you as an individual. Recognizing the signs and understanding the implications can lead to early intervention and management.

Moreover, with the advent of accessible blood pressure monitoring devices, individuals can track their diastolic and systolic blood pressure readings outside a hospital setting, enabling them to detect potential issues early and seek medical advice promptly.

Compared to other cardiovascular conditions, the prevalence of isolated diastolic hypotension is less documented, yet its significance cannot be understated.

It underlines the complexity of cardiovascular health and the need for a nuanced understanding of blood pressure readings. To stay informed, learn how this condition may manifest through various symptoms.

What are the symptoms of isolated diastolic hypotension?

Isolated diastolic hypotension may not always present with noticeable symptoms, making it a silent yet significant condition.

However, according to a compilation of symptoms presented in the journal Hypertension, which features self-reported case studies by clinicians, below are a few of the prominent symptoms.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially upon standing up quickly, due to the lower blood pressure affecting blood flow to the brain.
• Fatigue, as a result of reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues and organs.
• Blurry vision, which may occur sporadically, reflects the fluctuating blood supply to the eyes.
• Concentration difficulties can arise from insufficient blood flow to the brain, impacting cognitive functions.
• Palpitations, feeling a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat, possibly due to the heart compensating for the lower diastolic pressure.
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion, as the heart struggles to maintain adequate blood flow.
• Cold, clammy skin, indicative of poor blood circulation to the peripheral areas of the body.
• Fainting spells or syncope, in more severe cases, due to a significant drop in blood flow to the brain when changing positions.

These symptoms can vary greatly among individuals and might be attributed to other conditions, making this condition challenging to diagnose based solely on symptoms.

While it may not be a prominent concern, once diagnosed, you can effectively manage a diastolic blood pressure of 116/47 if you know the root cause. Read further to learn more about it.

What are the causes of isolated diastolic hypotension?

Isolated diastolic hypotension like 116/47 mmHg can arise from a complex interplay of factors associated with the physiology and psychology of a human that can cause a non-linked fluctuation in SBP and DBP.

While there is not much literature available, a publication from 1992 by Prof. Bruce M. Psaty, MD, Ph.D., who presented his work in the JAMA Journal, did mention some of the possible causes leading to isolated diastolic hypotension.

The causes can vary, encompassing physiological, lifestyle, and medical factors, and some of the major ones are listed below.

• Aging: As the body ages, arteries can become stiffer, affecting diastolic blood pressure more markedly than systolic pressure.
• Medications: Certain medications, including high blood pressure drugs, diuretics, and others, can lead to a decrease in diastolic pressure.
• Rapid weight loss: Extremely rapid weight loss can affect blood pressure levels, potentially causing isolated diastolic hypotension.
• Dehydration: Reduced body fluid levels can lead to lower blood volume, affecting diastolic pressure.
• Heart conditions: Some heart conditions, particularly those affecting the heart’s ability to relax and fill properly, can result in lower diastolic pressure.
• Endocrine disorders: Disorders affecting the endocrine system, like adrenal insufficiency, can impact blood pressure regulation.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, may play a role in developing isolated diastolic hypotension.
• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction: Conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system can lead to abnormal blood pressure regulation, including isolated diastolic hypotension.

Understanding these causes is vital for identifying individuals at risk of this condition and implementing appropriate interventions to manage or mitigate its effects.

Below are some of the major risks and dangers associated with this condition.

What are the risks and dangers associated with isolated diastolic hypotension?

Isolated diastolic hypotension could be life-threatening in some cases due to the risks and dangers associated with this condition, especially when it persists for a longer period of time.

A 2023 study published in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension by Dr. Zhe Wang and colleagues highlighted various risks and dangers associated with an isolated diastolic condition. Some of the major ones are elaborated below.

• Increased risk of cardiovascular events: It can lead to inadequate coronary artery perfusion, particularly during the diastolic phase when the heart muscle receives most of its blood supply. This condition can increase the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.
• Cerebral hypoperfusion: Lower diastolic pressure can reduce blood flow to the brain, potentially leading to cognitive impairments, increased risk of stroke, and transient ischemic attacks.
• Kidney damage: The kidneys rely on stable blood pressure to filter blood effectively. This condition can impair kidney function over time, leading to chronic kidney disease or worsening existing kidney conditions.
• Physical fatigue and weakness: Reduced blood flow can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to muscles and other tissues, causing general fatigue, weakness, and reduced exercise tolerance.
• Dizziness and falls: Particularly in older adults, it can cause dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing, increasing the risk of falls and related injuries.
• Potential for heart failure: Over time, the heart may struggle to maintain adequate blood flow against the backdrop of isolated diastolic hypotension, potentially leading to heart failure, especially if the heart must work harder to pump blood.

Awareness and management of isolated diastolic hypotension are crucial to mitigate these risks.

Regular monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and appropriate medical interventions can help manage levels up to 116/47 mmHg  and reduce the associated dangers.

Below is an elaborated section to help you understand how to treat this condition.

How do you treat isolated diastolic hypotension?

Treating isolated diastolic hypotension involves a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual’s specific health profile and the underlying causes of their condition.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the methods below can be effective in treating low blood pressure, and the same would be the initial clinical approach adopted by your doctor as well.

• Adjusting medications: If you started getting a blood pressure of 116/47 mmHg  after your current medications, healthcare providers may adjust dosages or change prescriptions to drugs that are less likely to affect diastolic blood pressure.
• Lifestyle modifications: Encouraging a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, alongside reducing sodium intake, can help manage blood pressure. Regular physical activity is also recommended to improve overall cardiovascular health.
• Hydration: Maintaining adequate hydration can help prevent drops in blood volume that could worsen this condition.
• Managing underlying conditions: Effective treatment of conditions that could contribute to isolated diastolic hypotension, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease, is crucial.
• Monitoring blood pressure at home: Regular monitoring can help track the effectiveness of treatments and adjustments. Try devices like Oxiline Pressure X Pro or CheckMe BP2 for best results.
• Increasing salt intake: In some cases, slightly increasing salt intake can help raise diastolic blood pressure. This should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
• Compression stockings: For some individuals, compression stockings may help improve blood flow and mitigate symptoms like dizziness upon standing.

It’s important for treatment plans to be personalized and regularly reviewed by healthcare providers to ensure they effectively manage your condition and its potential impacts on health.