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What causes abnormal spikes in diastolic blood pressure?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been getting unusual readings while tracking my blood pressure with my Omron 10 series. I have been following the instructions carefully to ensure accuracy. Over the past several days, I have noticed extreme, isolated spikes in my diastolic pressure, which coincide with my machine detecting an irregular heartbeat. My diastolic pressure is usually within a very tight range, but I am now consistently seeing readings that jump dramatically, as high as 135 mmHg. When this happens, my systolic reading is not significantly affected. Afterward, I take a follow-up measurement a minute later, and while my diastolic reading is usually lower, it remains elevated compared to my normal range. The first few times this occurred, I ignored it, but it has been happening more frequently over the past several days. Otherwise, I do not have any noticeable symptoms. Should I be concerned?

Please advise.
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ilir Sharka is a Cardiologist. He can diagnose and manage heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. He can interpret ECG, echocardiography, and stress tests. He can help in hypertension management and lipid control. He can treat arrhythmias and conduction disorders. He also does interventional procedures, including angioplasty and stenting (where applicable). He can help in heart valve disease assessment and management. He can provide preventive cardiology and risk factor modification.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern and would like to explain that the abnormal spikes in your diastolic blood pressure could be due to erroneous readings from the automatic Omron BP monitor, especially in the context of episodic cardiac arrhythmias, such as extrasystolic arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation. Given this, it might be more reliable to use a manual sphygmomanometer and take several readings to calculate an average. I also recommend discussing this with your cardiologist to explore the possibility of monitoring your heart rhythm through an ambulatory ECG (Holter) test. Additionally, thyroid, renal, and adrenal function tests may be helpful to rule out any underlying organ dysfunction.

I hope this information is helpful.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At January 25, 2020
Reviewed At November 28, 2024

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ilir Sharka is a Cardiologist. He can diagnose and manage heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. He can interpret ECG, echocardiography, and stress tests. He can help in hypertension management and lipid control. He can treat arrhythmias and conduction disorders. He also does interventional procedures, including angioplasty and stenting (where applicable). He can help in heart valve disease assessment and management. He can provide preventive cardiology and risk factor modification.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ilir Sharka
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiology

Education:

Faculty of Medicine

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ilir Sharka is a Cardiologist. He can diagnose and manage heart diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart failure. He can interpret ECG, echocardiography, and stress tests. He can help in hypertension management and lipid control. He can treat arrhythmias and conduction disorders. He also does interventional procedures, including angioplasty and stenting (where applicable). He can help in heart valve disease assessment and management. He can provide preventive cardiology and risk factor modification.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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