Scientists from the University of Miami have discovered that the lower number on a blood pressure test—known as diastolic blood pressure—may be an important clue when assessing a person’s risk for brain damage that could lead to dementia, strokes, or falls.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure (the top number): This measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number): This measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Doctors typically focus on the top number as the best way to gauge a person’s heart disease risk. However, this new study suggests that the bottom number may also play a key role in brain health.
What the Study Found
Researchers examined 1,205 adults aged 50 and older, looking at their blood pressure levels and MRI brain scans. They focused on small brain scars called white matter lesions, which can interfere with nerve signals. These lesions are linked to a higher risk of falls, strokes, and memory problems.
The study found that people with lower diastolic blood pressure (below 80) had fewer white matter lesions than those with higher diastolic blood pressure (above 90).
Previous studies have already shown that high systolic blood pressure is linked to narrowed arteries, which contribute to these brain lesions. But this research highlights that diastolic pressure matters too—especially in specific areas of the brain linked to thinking and memory.
Why White Matter Lesions Matter
White matter is made up of nerve fibers that help the brain send messages to control movement, sensation, and thought processes. When lesions form in white matter, they can disrupt communication between different parts of the brain, leading to problems with balance, cognitive function, and memory.
According to the American Heart Association, white matter lesions are found in 10-20% of people by age 60 and are very common in adults over 90.
Why This Study Matters
This research suggests that monitoring diastolic blood pressure could help doctors identify people at risk for brain damage earlier. The findings are particularly important for periventricular white matter lesions, which are more strongly linked to cognitive decline.
Since different areas of the brain receive blood from different arteries, conditions like high blood pressure can affect each region in unique ways. Understanding these patterns could help doctors develop better treatments to prevent strokes and dementia.
The researchers emphasize the importance of knowing your blood pressure numbers and discussing the best treatment options with your doctor.
The study was led by Michelle R. Caunca and published in Stroke.
If you care about brain health, please read studies about inflammation that may actually slow down cognitive decline in older people, and low vitamin D may speed up cognitive decline.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies about common exercises that could protect against cognitive decline, and results showing that this MIND diet may protect your cognitive function, prevent dementia.
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