Systolic blood pressure is the top number in a blood pressure reading and represents the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pumps blood out to the body.
Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number and represents the amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. It is also measured in mm Hg.
They are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).
High systolic blood pressure, or hypertension, is defined as a reading of 130 mm Hg or higher.
It is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
High systolic blood pressure is often caused by lifestyle factors such as obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and a diet high in salt and saturated fats.
It can also be caused by underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that intensive blood pressure treatment targeting systolic blood pressure <120 mm Hg can lower the risk of heart disease and all-cause mortality.
The study involved 9,361 people at increased risk for heart disease without diabetes or previous stroke.
They were assigned to adhere to either an intensive treatment target (systolic blood pressure <120 mm Hg) or a standard treatment target (<140 mm Hg).
The researchers found that the rates of heart attacks, other heart syndromes, strokes, heart failure, death from heart disease, and all-cause death were much lower in the intensive treatment group compared to the standard treatment group.
However, the intensive treatment group had a higher frequency of serious adverse events, such as low blood pressure, kidney injury or failure, and fainting.
The researchers noted that after the study, the blood pressure difference between the two groups gradually decreased, and more frequent heart failure was noted in the intensive-treatment group.
The study was conducted by Cora E. Lewis et al and published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
In summary, the study highlights the importance of managing high blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart disease and all-cause mortality.
While intensive blood pressure treatment can lead to better outcomes, it may also increase the risk of adverse events, which must be monitored closely.
It is crucial to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan based on individual needs and health status.
Treatment for high systolic blood pressure typically involves lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing salt intake, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
In addition, medication may be necessary to control blood pressure, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial to managing high systolic blood pressure and reducing the risk of complications.
Blood pressure checks can be done at home with a blood pressure monitor or by a healthcare professional.
It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan based on individual needs and health status.
It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan based on individual needs and health status.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about vaccination linked to heart problems, and results showing these high blood pressure drugs prevent heart disease effectively.
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