High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
If not managed properly, it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. For older adults, finding the best and safest way to control blood pressure is especially important.
In the past, doctors usually aimed to keep a person’s systolic blood pressure—the top number in a reading—below 140 mmHg. But a new study published in the journal Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications suggests that a lower goal, under 130 mmHg, might be even better for people aged 60 and older.
To find out, researchers used a method called Bayesian network meta-analysis. This technique combines results from different studies to get clearer answers. The researchers looked at data from six earlier clinical trials that focused on older adults with high blood pressure.
They compared how people did when treated to different blood pressure targets. Specifically, they checked how likely people were to have major health problems like heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, or death.
The results showed that lowering blood pressure to below 130 mmHg helped reduce the risk of serious heart problems more than keeping it at or above 140 mmHg. The lower goal also seemed to reduce the risk of dying from heart disease or other causes, though the differences weren’t always large.
These findings support the idea that stricter blood pressure control may help protect older adults from heart-related conditions.
However, the researchers also noted that more studies are needed to confirm these results. Not everyone responds to treatment in the same way, so blood pressure goals should be based on each person’s health needs.
Usually, high blood pressure is managed with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Doctors may prescribe different types of drugs depending on a person’s medical history and risk factors. But there are also many steps people can take on their own to improve their blood pressure.
One of the most effective strategies is to eat a heart-healthy diet. This includes cutting back on salt, eating more fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains, and adding foods rich in potassium.
Exercise is also important. Activities like walking, biking, or swimming can help lower blood pressure naturally. Reducing stress through practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can also make a big difference.
Other helpful habits include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and getting enough sleep. Even small changes in these areas can add up and support better heart health.
This new research gives doctors and patients more information to think about when choosing a blood pressure goal. While aiming for a lower target might offer better protection, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to decide what’s best for each individual.
In the end, the goal is to find a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of serious illness and help people enjoy healthier, longer lives.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about common blood pressure medication that may extend your healthy life span and common high blood pressure drug linked to sudden cardiac arrest.
For more information about blood pressure, please read studies that timing matters when taking high blood pressure pills and 1 in 5 people with high blood pressure taking a drug worsen the disease.
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