Middle-aged adults whose blood pressure levels change frequently over time might face a higher chance of sudden cardiac death compared to those with steadier blood pressure, according to a new study.
Researchers found that people with the biggest blood pressure swings had up to a 70% higher risk of sudden cardiac death than those with the most stable readings.
This study, presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago, highlights the importance of not just monitoring blood pressure but also maintaining consistency. The findings are still preliminary and await further validation through peer-reviewed publication.
Blood pressure variability—how much your blood pressure changes over time—might reveal hidden health risks. Ritam Patel, a lead researcher and medical student at Northwestern University, explained that these fluctuations are more than just numbers.
“For the millions of people measuring their blood pressure, it’s important to aim for stability, not just a normal range,” Patel said.
Blood Pressure and Health
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is already a well-known risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious conditions. Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and the risk increases with age.
Regular monitoring of blood pressure has become common, but researchers are now exploring how irregular changes in blood pressure might also affect long-term health.
Previous studies have linked blood pressure variability to problems like heart disease, kidney issues, cognitive decline, and mental health challenges. This new research goes a step further, investigating whether fluctuations in blood pressure are linked to sudden cardiac deaths.
The Study’s Details
The research involved 23,499 adults, with an average age of 53 at the start. Each participant had their blood pressure measured at least three times over about 15 years, and they were followed for up to 30 years. During this period, sudden cardiac deaths were tracked.
The study found that the average fluctuation in systolic blood pressure (the top number, which measures the pressure when the heart beats) was 11 to 12 millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
For diastolic pressure (the bottom number, which measures pressure between beats), the fluctuations averaged 6 to 7 mmHg.
After accounting for other health factors, researchers discovered that even small increases in systolic blood pressure variability raised the risk of sudden cardiac death by 3% for every 1 mmHg change.
Those with the most unstable blood pressure readings had a 40% to 70% higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those with more stable readings.
Why Variability Might Matter
Cardiologist Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones, a senior investigator in the study, explained that understanding blood pressure variability could help identify people at risk for sudden cardiac death.
“We usually think of blood pressure as a single number, but it naturally varies over time,” he said. Tracking these variations could provide doctors with better insights into a person’s overall heart health.
While the study didn’t examine exactly why blood pressure swings increase heart risk, Lloyd-Jones suggested that frequent fluctuations might stress the body.
“The body constantly reacts to changes, and yo-yoing—whether it’s weight or blood pressure—puts extra strain on the system,” he said.
Other experts, like Dr. Wanpen Vongpatanasin from UT Southwestern Medical Center, believe the causes of blood pressure fluctuations need further exploration.
Potential reasons might include inconsistent medication use, lifestyle habits, or weight changes. These factors could challenge the heart’s ability to cope with extra stress.
A Call for Stability
Although the study doesn’t provide direct solutions, it underscores the importance of stable blood pressure for long-term heart health. Vongpatanasin emphasized that better understanding the mechanics behind fluctuating blood pressure could lead to improved tools for prevention.
For now, experts recommend paying attention not just to high or low readings but also to how stable your blood pressure remains over time.
This research opens the door for new ways to identify and manage cardiovascular risks, potentially saving lives before problems become severe.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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