A new study from the University of Miami has found that blood pressure can affect brain health, especially as we get older.
We often hear that high blood pressure can hurt the heart, but this research shows it can also harm the brain. Scientists found that when your lower blood pressure number (called diastolic blood pressure) is too high, it may lead to small scars in your brain.
These brain scars, called white matter lesions, can make it harder for your brain to send messages. This can lead to problems like memory loss, slower thinking, poor balance, and a higher risk of falls or strokes.
The good news is that people with lower diastolic blood pressure—below 80—had fewer of these brain scars. This shows that keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range can protect your brain, not just your heart.
More than 1,200 people over age 50 took part in the study. By checking their blood pressure and brain scans, researchers found that high diastolic pressure (90 or more) was linked to more white matter damage.
White matter helps different parts of the brain work together. When it’s damaged, the brain has trouble sending signals quickly. Think of it like potholes in a road—it’s harder to get where you need to go.
As people age, these scars become more common. By age 60, one in five people already has some. But managing your blood pressure could slow this damage and keep your brain working better for longer.
The study reminds us to take blood pressure seriously—not just for the heart, but for the brain too. Talk to your doctor about your numbers, and aim to keep both your top and bottom blood pressure numbers in a healthy range.
By doing so, you may protect your memory, reduce your risk of stroke, and stay healthier as you age.
This research was led by Dr. Michelle R. Caunca and published in the journal Hypertension.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about Half of people with heart rhythm diseases dying of heart attack, stroke and findings of New method reduces heart attacks and strokes over five years.
For more about stroke, please read studies about Blood thinner drug prevents strokes in hidden heart issues and findings of Intensive blood pressure treatments could prevent stroke in older adults.
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