High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant health concern due to its potential to cause heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
It’s characterized by elevated pressure in the arteries, measured as two numbers: systolic (the higher number) and diastolic (the lower number).
Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg, while hypertension is generally considered when blood pressure consistently measures above 130/80 mmHg.
Various factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including genetics, diet, lifestyle, and stress. Often referred to as the “silent killer,” hypertension typically presents no symptoms, making regular monitoring crucial.
A recent study published in the journal Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications focused on the ideal systolic blood pressure target for patients over 60 with hypertension.
Utilizing a Bayesian network meta-analysis, which combines data from various studies for more robust conclusions, the research included six trials.
The study categorized treatments based on the achieved systolic blood pressure: <130 mmHg, 130–139 mmHg, and ≥140 mmHg.
Results indicated that maintaining systolic blood pressure below 130 mmHg significantly reduces the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
While intensive anti-hypertension therapy showed a trend toward reducing heart disease death, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke, no significant differences were noted among the groups.
Thus, for individuals over 60, keeping systolic blood pressure below 130 mmHg might be optimal.
Managing blood pressure is crucial for health, involving regular monitoring, maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, exercising, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, managing stress, and adhering to prescribed medications.
This comprehensive approach can effectively control blood pressure and reduce the risk of associated health issues.
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