New research from the University of Gothenburg shows that many people with high blood pressure may not be getting the treatment they need.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a major cause of illness and early death around the world.
In Sweden alone, over one in four adults have this condition. It increases the risk of serious problems like heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers at the university wanted to find out how different levels of blood pressure affect the risk of heart disease and stroke. In one study, they looked at older adults with high blood pressure but no history of heart attacks or strokes.
They found that people with systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) below 130 mmHg had a 40% lower risk of having a heart attack or stroke compared to those with readings between 130 and 139 mmHg. In fact, 5.2% of the people with readin…
Another study looked at people with a heart condition called atrial fibrillation, who were taking blood thinners like Warfarin or Eliquis. These patients are already at higher risk for stroke, especially one caused by bleeding in the brain, known as a hemorrhagic stroke.
The study found that patients with systolic blood pressure between 140 and 179 mmHg were twice as likely to suffer this type of stroke compared to those with readings between 130 and 139 mmHg.
A third large study examined data from more than 259,000 patients. It showed that nine out of ten people with high blood pressure either had poor control of their blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoked cigarettes.
All of these factors raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The researchers said that many heart-related deaths in Sweden could be avoided with better treatment of high blood pressure.
Together, these studies suggest that stricter control of blood pressure could prevent many serious health problems. People with high blood pressure may benefit from more aggressive treatment, such as stronger or additional medications, and lifestyle changes like eating healthy, exercising, and quitting smoking.
Managing high blood pressure well can save lives. It’s important for people to talk to their doctors, check their blood pressure regularly, and stay updated on the latest treatment options. While medicine is often needed, healthy habits are just as important in keeping blood pressure in a safe range.
These studies, led by Johan-Emil Bager and his team, were published in journals including Brain and Behavior. The findings highlight how better care and attention to blood pressure could help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and early deaths.
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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