What does a high diastolic reading in a bp reading stand for? what are the causes and implications? in addition to drugs, what can a patient do?

Blood pressure : Blood pressure readings give two numbers. The higher number is systolic. The lower number is diastolic. Systolic is when the heart is contracting/pumping blood. Diastolic is during the time the heart is relaxing. Hi readings for either one is considered abnormal and should be treated if persistent. Other than medication, weight-loss and low-salt diet may help lower these numbers.