High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health problem around the world. If not managed properly, it can lead to serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or kidney disease.
For a long time, doctors have tried to treat high blood pressure by balancing both the top number (called systolic pressure) and the bottom number (called diastolic pressure) of a blood pressure reading. But a new international study is changing how we think about this.
Researchers from NUI Galway in Ireland led a large study that looked at blood pressure data from more than 47,000 people across different countries.
Their goal was to find out whether low diastolic pressure (the bottom number) is harmful, especially when it drops below what doctors usually consider safe. The results were published in a respected medical journal called Circulation.
What they found was surprising. The study showed that it is not dangerous to have a low diastolic pressure, as long as the systolic pressure (the top number) stays within a healthy range.
In fact, keeping the systolic number between 100 and 130 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) seems to give the best protection against heart problems. This is different from what many doctors used to believe, which was that lowering diastolic pressure too much could be risky.
This finding could make a big difference in how doctors treat people with high blood pressure. Until now, some doctors were hesitant to give strong medications that lower blood pressure too much, for fear of dropping the diastolic number too low.
But this study suggests that the top number is what matters most. So now, treatment might focus more on keeping the systolic pressure in the right zone, without worrying so much about the bottom number.
This new way of thinking could also make treating high blood pressure simpler and more effective. If doctors concentrate on lowering just the top number to a safe level, they might be able to prevent more cases of heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions linked to high blood pressure.
Of course, managing blood pressure is not just about medicine. There are many everyday habits that can help keep your blood pressure healthy. Losing extra weight is one of the most effective ways to reduce strain on your heart.
Eating a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products also helps. It’s important to limit salt (sodium), as too much can raise your blood pressure. A good target is less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day.
Exercise is another powerful tool. Even a brisk walk for 30 minutes most days of the week can make a big difference. Cutting down on alcohol, quitting smoking, and finding ways to reduce stress—like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga—can also improve blood pressure levels.
Most importantly, because high blood pressure often has no symptoms, it’s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor. Catching it early means it’s easier to treat.
This new study helps to shine a light on how we can better manage and prevent high blood pressure. By focusing on systolic pressure and combining medical care with healthy lifestyle changes, more people can live longer, healthier lives with less risk of heart problems.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
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