High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health problem that can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious issues.
For many years, doctors have paid close attention to both the top number (systolic) and the bottom number (diastolic) when checking blood pressure. But a new study suggests it may be time to look more closely at the top number—systolic blood pressure.
The study, carried out by researchers from NUI Galway and other institutions, examined data from over 47,000 people around the world. The researchers wanted to know if there was a point at which diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) could become too low and cause harm.
Surprisingly, they found no clear evidence that very low diastolic pressure was dangerous. This challenges older beliefs that doctors should avoid letting that bottom number drop too far.
Instead, the researchers say that doctors should focus more on controlling systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. They recommend keeping it between 100 and 130 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
That’s the range where patients seem to get the most benefit without added risk—even if the diastolic pressure becomes lower than what was once considered safe.
This shift could change how doctors treat high blood pressure. Rather than worrying about both numbers equally, they may now focus more on getting systolic pressure into the ideal range. This might help lower the chances of serious complications from high blood pressure, such as heart disease, stroke, or kidney damage.
Even with this new understanding, it’s important to remember that prevention plays a huge role in keeping blood pressure healthy. Here are some simple ways to lower the risk of hypertension:
Staying at a healthy weight helps the heart work more efficiently. Eating well also plays a big role. Choose meals filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid too much salt—try to stay under 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day.
Being active helps too. Regular exercise can lower blood pressure and keep your heart strong. Limiting alcohol and avoiding smoking are also important. These habits protect your blood vessels and help lower blood pressure over time.
Stress is another factor. Too much stress can raise your blood pressure, so finding ways to relax—like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing—can make a big difference. And because high blood pressure doesn’t usually have symptoms, regular check-ups are key to catching it early and managing it well.
In short, this new research suggests that the systolic number might be more important than we once thought. By focusing more on that top number, doctors can create better treatment plans for their patients. And by following simple healthy habits, we can all help keep our blood pressure in check.
This study was led by Dr. Bill McEvoy and his team, and it was published in the medical journal Circulation.
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