Blood pressure readings have long been a fundamental health check, consisting of two numbers: systolic and diastolic.
While systolic pressure has historically received more attention in assessing health risks, a recent large-scale study indicates that both numbers are essential for predicting heart disease and stroke.
Understanding the Two Numbers:
- Systolic pressure (the top number) measures the force when the heart pumps blood.
- Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) assesses the pressure between heartbeats when the heart refills with blood.
Previous Focus on Systolic Pressure: Earlier research primarily emphasized high systolic pressure as a key indicator of health issues such as heart disease and stroke. This led to the perception that the diastolic reading was less significant.
Findings from the Large-Scale Study: Kaiser Permanente conducted a comprehensive study using over 36 million blood pressure readings from 1.3 million adults in Northern California (2007-2016).
The study revealed that both systolic and diastolic pressures are crucial indicators of heart disease and stroke risk, with systolic pressure having a more substantial impact.
Consistency Across Blood Pressure Definitions: This finding held true whether high blood pressure was defined by the traditional standard of 140/90 mm Hg or the newer, stricter guideline of 130/80 mm Hg.
It reinforces recent guideline changes, emphasizing the need for tighter blood pressure control, particularly for individuals at higher risk of heart issues.
Implications for Your Health:
- Both the top and bottom numbers in your blood pressure reading matter.
- Lower readings are generally preferable, especially for individuals at a heightened risk of heart disease or stroke.
- These insights may reshape how doctors diagnose and treat high blood pressure, emphasizing the importance of maintaining both numbers within a healthy range to mitigate heart disease and stroke risks.
Conclusion: This groundbreaking study, led by Alexander C. Flint, underscores the significance of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings in predicting heart disease and stroke.
It highlights the evolving nature of medical science and the importance of monitoring both numbers closely and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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