Middle-aged adults who have blood pressure that changes a lot over time might be at a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, according to a new study.
People with the biggest changes in their blood pressure were found to have up to a 70% higher chance of dying suddenly from heart problems compared to those whose blood pressure stayed more stable.
The research was presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago.
Although the results are still early and need to be confirmed by more research, they suggest that keeping your blood pressure steady may be just as important as keeping it within a healthy range.
Blood pressure variability—how much your readings go up and down over time—may reveal hidden health risks.
Ritam Patel, a medical student at Northwestern University and the lead researcher, said that people should aim for stable blood pressure numbers, not just ones that fall into the “normal” range.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is already a well-known cause of heart disease and stroke. Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and the chances of developing it increase with age.
Many people now check their blood pressure at home, but this new study shows that sudden changes in readings over time could also be harmful.
Previous studies have linked fluctuating blood pressure to heart disease, kidney problems, memory loss, and mental health issues. This latest research goes further, looking into whether these swings in blood pressure could increase the risk of sudden cardiac death.
The study involved 23,499 adults who were about 53 years old on average when the study started.
Their blood pressure was measured at least three times over about 15 years, and the participants were followed for up to 30 years to track sudden heart-related deaths.
Researchers found that systolic blood pressure—the top number in a reading—fluctuated by about 11 to 12 mmHg on average. Diastolic pressure—the bottom number—changed by about 6 to 7 mmHg.
Even small changes in blood pressure made a difference. The study found that for every 1 mmHg increase in systolic variability, the risk of sudden cardiac death rose by 3%. People with the most unstable blood pressure had a 40% to 70% higher risk of dying suddenly from heart problems compared to those with the most stable blood pressure.
Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, a heart expert involved in the study, explained that most people think of blood pressure as a single number, but it naturally changes over time. He said keeping track of these changes can help doctors better understand a patient’s heart health.
Although the study didn’t explain exactly why unstable blood pressure increases risk, one idea is that the body becomes stressed from constant changes. Like with weight, sudden shifts can put extra strain on the body.
Other experts, like Dr. Wanpen Vongpatanasin from UT Southwestern Medical Center, say that more research is needed to find out what causes blood pressure to swing. It could be due to missing medication, changes in daily habits, or body weight changes.
While the study doesn’t offer direct solutions, it does send a clear message: try to keep your blood pressure steady. This means taking medications as directed, keeping a healthy routine, and checking your blood pressure regularly.
Understanding blood pressure swings may help doctors find new ways to prevent serious heart problems before they happen. For now, paying attention to both your blood pressure numbers and how consistent they are could be key to protecting your heart.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about a new cause of heart rhythm disorders and eating just one cup of nitrate-rich vegetables daily can reduce heart disease risk.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about blood thinners that may not prevent stroke in people with heartbeat problems and this diabetes drug may protect heart health in older veterans.
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