High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition in Sweden.
More than a quarter of all adults live with it. Even though it can often be treated, many people don’t get the care they need.
This is dangerous because high blood pressure raises the risk of serious health problems like heart attacks and strokes.
To better understand the risks tied to different blood pressure levels, researchers from the University of Gothenburg carried out several studies. They looked closely at older patients who had high blood pressure but had never had a heart attack or stroke before.
One major finding was that patients who kept their systolic blood pressure—the top number in a reading—below 130 mmHg had a 40% lower risk of heart attacks or strokes compared to those with levels between 130 and 139 mmHg.
Another study focused on patients with an irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, who were taking blood thinners. These patients were at double the risk of having a bleeding stroke (called a hemorrhagic stroke) if their systolic blood pressure was between 140 and 179 mmHg, compared to those with levels between 130 and 139 mmHg.
A broader study of nearly 260,000 patients found that nine out of ten people had one or more serious risk factors: poorly controlled blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoking. These numbers are alarming and show that many people in Sweden are at risk of major health problems and early death due to poorly managed hypertension.
The lead researcher, Johan-Emil Bager, emphasized that better treatment and control of high blood pressure is urgently needed. Without proper care, people face a much higher chance of serious conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and premature death.
These studies highlight the importance of keeping blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels. They also point to the need for lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating better, and exercising more.
The research offers strong evidence that many people with high blood pressure may need more help—from better medications to lifestyle support—to lower their risks.
These findings were published in journals such as Brain and Behavior and make a strong case for improved strategies to manage and treat hypertension. They serve as a reminder that managing blood pressure well can save lives.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about This daily food is very important for blood pressure and heart health and Common blood pressure medication may have harmful side effects.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies about This alcohol treatment could help treat high blood pressure and How blood pressure changes with age.
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