Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic pressure, the upper number, measures the force your heart exerts to pump blood into the arteries.
The diastolic pressure, the lower number, shows the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
A recent study by the University of Southern Denmark delved into which of these numbers is more crucial for predicting heart health based on a person’s age.
The research concluded that while systolic blood pressure is generally the best predictor of heart disease and mortality risks, diastolic pressure also holds significant importance, particularly for younger individuals.
Traditionally, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were used to assess cardiovascular risk. However, over recent years, there’s been a notable shift among medical professionals to focus predominantly on systolic readings to gauge the likelihood of heart problems.
The study in question analyzed 26 years of health data from 107,599 adults aged between 19 and 97 years.
These individuals were initially free from heart disease, but over the years, some experienced critical heart events such as strokes, heart attacks, or death from heart-related issues.
Findings revealed that for individuals under the age of 50, diastolic blood pressure readings provided additional valuable insights into their cardiovascular risk.
Meanwhile, systolic readings were confirmed as a strong indicator of heart health threats regardless of the person’s age, sex, or other known cardiovascular risk factors.
This highlights the need to monitor both systolic and diastolic pressures, especially in younger adults under 50, to get a comprehensive understanding of their heart health status.
Additionally, the study pointed out the usefulness of the mean arterial pressure (MAP) as an effective overall measure of cardiovascular risk and mortality across all age groups.
MAP represents the average arterial pressure throughout one cardiac cycle and is calculated using both systolic and diastolic pressures.
The findings underscore the importance of continuous research into the most effective ways to identify, classify, and manage high blood pressure, which remains a prevalent health challenge.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure, defined as a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or above.
Notably, high blood pressure is not confined to older adults; it affects more than one in five young adults aged 18 to 39, as per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This widespread issue underscores the necessity of public awareness and proactive management of blood pressure to prevent serious health outcomes.
Further studies continue to explore the influence of various factors on blood pressure, such as dietary choices like tea, coffee, and certain nutrients, along with potential treatments for those with resistant high blood pressure.
The study, led by Dr. Michael Hecht Olsen and his team, was published in the journal Hypertension, providing valuable insights that could influence future guidelines and interventions aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about potatoes and high blood pressure, and top 10 choices for a blood pressure-friendly diet
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about impact of vitamins on high blood pressure you need to know, and the powerful link between high blood pressure and a potassium-rich diet.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
