High blood pressure is a common health issue that can lead to serious problems like heart disease or stroke if not treated properly.
For years, doctors have measured it using two numbers—one on top and one on the bottom—but new research may change how we understand and manage it.
Researchers from NUI Galway looked at data from over 47,000 patients in different countries. What they found could change how we think about blood pressure.
Usually, doctors focus on both systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) when checking your blood pressure. But this study found that the top number, systolic, might be much more important.
The old belief was that if your diastolic pressure got too low, it could be dangerous. But the new research challenges that idea. It shows that having a low diastolic number might not actually be harmful. Instead, managing the systolic number between 100 and 130 may be the key to preventing major heart problems like heart attacks and strokes.
To better understand this, let’s break down what these two numbers mean. Systolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
Diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. Together, they give a snapshot of how hard your heart is working and how much pressure your blood is putting on your artery walls.
Doctors have always paid close attention to both numbers. But now it seems that focusing more on keeping the systolic number in a healthy range may be more effective for protecting your heart.
Even though this is a new way of thinking, it doesn’t change the basic advice for keeping your blood pressure in check. A healthy lifestyle is still the best way to prevent high blood pressure and protect your heart.
Here are some tips that can help:
Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight makes your heart work harder.
Eat smart. Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Limit salt. Try to keep salt intake under 2,300 milligrams per day.
Get moving. Regular physical activity can help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level.
Drink moderately. Men should aim for no more than two drinks a day, and women no more than one.
Don’t smoke. Smoking damages your blood vessels and raises your blood pressure.
Reduce stress. Try yoga, deep breathing, or other relaxing activities.
Check your blood pressure often. High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause symptoms, so it’s important to monitor it.
This new research could lead to better ways to treat high blood pressure, focusing more on the systolic number. But no matter what, living a healthy life with good habits remains the best way to keep your heart strong and avoid future health issues.
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