High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health issue that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions.
For many years, doctors have tried to keep both the top and bottom numbers of a blood pressure reading—called systolic and diastolic—in a healthy range. But new research suggests that the top number, or systolic pressure, may be more important than previously thought.
A recent study led by Dr. Bill McEvoy and a team of researchers from NUI Galway and other institutions analyzed health data from over 47,000 people around the world. The findings were published in the medical journal Circulation.
The researchers discovered that lowering diastolic blood pressure—even to levels that were once thought to be too low—did not appear to cause harm.
This challenges the long-standing belief that doctors need to avoid letting a patient’s diastolic pressure drop too much. In the past, some experts worried that very low diastolic pressure could reduce blood flow to the heart. But this large study found no evidence to support that concern.
Instead, the researchers say doctors should focus more on controlling systolic blood pressure. Systolic pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading. It measures how much pressure the blood exerts on the artery walls when the heart beats.
According to the study, aiming to keep systolic pressure between 100 and 130 mmHg may offer the most protection against serious health problems, like heart attacks and strokes.
This shift in focus could lead to new and improved ways of treating high blood pressure. By concentrating on lowering the systolic number, doctors might be able to reduce the risks linked to hypertension more effectively.
While treatment is important, prevention plays a key role in managing high blood pressure as well. Here are some practical steps people can take to help keep their blood pressure in a healthy range:
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight puts extra pressure on your heart and blood vessels.
- Eat a balanced diet: Include lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Cut back on salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
- Watch your sodium intake: Too much salt can raise blood pressure. Try to stay under 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, or even less if your doctor recommends it.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, like walking, swimming, or cycling, on most days.
- Limit alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Men should have no more than two drinks a day; women should have no more than one.
- Quit smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of high blood pressure. Quitting can improve heart health and lower your risk of many diseases.
- Manage stress: Long-term stress can lead to high blood pressure. Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation can help.
- Get regular check-ups: High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so it’s important to check it regularly. Early detection means earlier treatment and better outcomes.
This new research encourages doctors to look at blood pressure treatment in a different way—by focusing on the top number, not worrying so much about the bottom one. It’s a reminder that as we learn more about how the body works, we can keep improving the ways we prevent and treat disease.
For anyone managing high blood pressure, this is good news. It means more targeted treatment, possibly fewer side effects, and better long-term health.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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