Blood pressure readings are crucial indicators of heart health, consisting of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic pressure, the upper number, measures the pressure when the heart’s ventricles pump blood out.
Diastolic pressure, the lower number, measures the pressure between heartbeats when the heart is refilling with blood.
Systolic vs. Diastolic: Both Numbers Matter
In the past, high systolic blood pressure was considered the primary predictor of adverse health outcomes such as heart disease and stroke. This belief led doctors to focus mainly on the systolic number, often downplaying the importance of the diastolic reading.
However, a recent study by Kaiser Permanente suggests that both systolic and diastolic pressures are important in predicting the risk of heart disease or stroke.
The study involved evaluating over 36 million blood pressure readings from 1.3 million adult members in Northern California, collected during outpatient visits between 2007 and 2016. This extensive data set allowed researchers to analyze the impact of both systolic and diastolic pressures on heart health.
The study found that while systolic pressure has a more significant impact, both systolic and diastolic pressures can significantly influence the risk of heart attack or stroke. This was true whether high blood pressure was defined as 140/90 mm Hg or the lower threshold of 130/80 mm Hg.
These findings support recent changes in health guidelines that recommend stricter blood pressure control, especially in higher-risk patients with hypertension. The discovery that both systolic and diastolic pressures carry similar risks at the 130/80 mm Hg threshold emphasizes the need for comprehensive blood pressure management.
The researchers, led by Alexander C. Flint, underscore the importance of monitoring both systolic and diastolic pressures. For generally healthy individuals, maintaining lower blood pressure readings is advisable to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Conclusion
The Kaiser Permanente study highlights the need to consider both numbers in blood pressure readings when assessing health risks. This approach could lead to better prevention and management of heart disease and stroke.
The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, offering valuable insights for doctors and patients alike.
For more information, it’s worth exploring additional research on blood pressure management and its implications for overall health.
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