In one of the observational studies, published Oct. What the studies found - and what they mean Paul Conlin, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and chief of medicine at the VA Boston Healthcare System. But low diastolic pressure by itself doesn't have any symptoms,' says Dr. Diastolic blood pressure (the second number in a reading) represents the pressure between beats when the heart relaxes. 'When your systolic blood pressure gets too low, it can manifest as lightheadedness, fainting, and weakness. Two observational studies and one clinical trial have raised concerns about lowering blood pressure - particularly diastolic pressure - too far. Yet reaching that lower target often requires three blood pressure medications, which can increase the likelihood of side effects. But in 2015, the results of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) suggested that reaching a target of 120 mm Hg could further reduce the risks associated with high blood pressure, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and death. Longstanding guidelines suggest that most people should aim for a systolic blood pressure (the first number in a reading) no higher than 140 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

More of us than ever before are taking medications to lower our blood pressure. Recent findings raise concerns about lowering diastolic blood pressure - the second number in your blood pressure reading - too far.

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