A new study by researchers from NUI Galway and other institutions is changing the way doctors may treat high blood pressure in the future.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the top causes of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.
For many years, doctors have measured two numbers when checking blood pressure: the top number, called systolic pressure, and the bottom number, called diastolic pressure.
Systolic pressure shows how hard your blood pushes when your heart beats. Diastolic pressure shows the pressure when your heart rests between beats. Doctors have often told patients that their diastolic pressure should stay between 70 and 90. They also worried that if it dropped too low, it could be dangerous.
But this large study, which looked at data from over 47,000 people from around the world, questions that idea. The researchers found no strong proof that lowering diastolic pressure too much is harmful. In fact, they say there is no need to worry about the diastolic number getting too low during treatment.
Instead, the study showed that having a systolic pressure over 120 clearly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. So, the scientists now recommend treating high blood pressure by focusing only on the systolic number. They suggest keeping it in the range of 100 to 130 mmHg. This could make treating high blood pressure simpler and more effective.
By focusing on the systolic number, doctors may be able to better prevent serious problems caused by high blood pressure. This new advice could help change current treatment plans and improve heart health for many people.
To prevent high blood pressure in the first place, it’s important to live a healthy lifestyle. That means keeping a healthy weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, choosing whole grains and lean proteins, cutting down on salt, staying active, drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and getting your blood pressure checked regularly.
This new study is a reminder that medical advice can change as we learn more. By focusing on the top blood pressure number and not worrying too much about the bottom one, doctors may be able to help patients live longer, healthier lives.
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