High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects millions of people and is a major cause of heart disease, strokes, and other serious health problems.
Doctors have long tried to manage both the top and bottom numbers in a blood pressure reading—known as systolic and diastolic pressure. However, new research is suggesting that we may not need to focus as much on the lower number after all.
In a large international study led by scientists from NUI Galway and other research groups, data from more than 47,000 patients around the world was analyzed. The researchers were interested in finding out whether lowering diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) too much could be harmful.
Until now, some doctors were cautious about reducing diastolic pressure too far, thinking it might pose risks. But this study found no clear evidence that lowering it—even to levels once thought to be too low—caused harm.
Instead, the researchers say the focus should be on systolic blood pressure, which is the top number in a reading. Systolic pressure measures how hard your blood pushes against your arteries when your heart beats.
The new recommendation is to treat patients so that their systolic pressure falls between 100 and 130 mmHg. The researchers believe this range is safer and more effective in preventing problems like heart attacks and strokes.
This could change how doctors treat high blood pressure. Rather than worrying that diastolic pressure might drop too low, they can now concentrate more on getting the systolic number into the right range. This shift in focus might help reduce complications and improve long-term health for people with hypertension.
Of course, preventing high blood pressure in the first place is even better than treating it. There are many steps people can take to protect their heart and keep their blood pressure in a healthy range.
Staying at a healthy weight is one of the most important things. Carrying extra weight makes your heart work harder, which raises your blood pressure. Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy can also help.
It’s important to avoid too much salt, which can tighten blood vessels and push your blood pressure higher. Most experts recommend keeping sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams per day.
Exercise is another powerful way to manage blood pressure. Regular physical activity helps keep your heart strong and your weight in check. Cutting back on alcohol also helps—no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women.
And if you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart and your blood pressure. Smoking damages blood vessels and makes your heart work harder.
Stress is another factor that can push blood pressure up. Managing stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can make a difference.
And because high blood pressure usually doesn’t cause symptoms, regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential. Catching it early means you can start treatment sooner and avoid long-term damage.
This new study, published in the journal Circulation and led by Dr. Bill McEvoy and his colleagues, could lead to major changes in how doctors manage high blood pressure.
By focusing on systolic pressure and supporting patients in making healthy lifestyle choices, the healthcare system may be better able to prevent the serious complications linked to hypertension.
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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