Scientists at the University of Miami have discovered that the lower number in a blood pressure reading—called diastolic blood pressure—may hold important clues about brain health. This new research suggests that keeping this number in check might help protect against brain damage that could lead to dementia, strokes, or falls.
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers. The first number, called systolic pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number, known as diastolic pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats.
Most doctors usually focus more on the systolic (top) number, believing it is the best indicator of heart disease risk. But this new study suggests that the diastolic (bottom) number may be just as important for brain health.
The researchers studied 1,205 adults aged 50 and older. They looked at their blood pressure levels and also took MRI scans of their brains. The scans focused on small scars called white matter lesions.
These lesions are tiny areas of damage in the brain that can affect how well nerve signals travel. When white matter is damaged, it can interfere with communication between different parts of the brain, leading to problems with movement, balance, memory, and even thinking skills.
The study found that people with lower diastolic blood pressure—specifically below 80—tended to have fewer of these white matter lesions. In contrast, those with diastolic pressure above 90 showed more signs of brain damage.
This is an important finding because it suggests that managing diastolic blood pressure could help reduce the risk of developing brain-related problems.
Previous research has already shown that high systolic blood pressure can lead to narrowed arteries, which contributes to white matter lesions. This is because high pressure in the arteries can damage the tiny blood vessels in the brain, cutting off the blood supply to certain areas.
But this new study highlights that diastolic pressure is also crucial—especially in certain parts of the brain that are linked to memory and thinking.
White matter is made up of nerve fibers that help the brain send messages quickly and efficiently. These fibers are crucial for everyday activities like walking, talking, and remembering things. When lesions form in this part of the brain, it disrupts communication between different regions.
This can lead to difficulties with balance, memory problems, and even a higher risk of falls. According to the American Heart Association, white matter lesions are quite common as people age. About 10 to 20 percent of people have them by the time they reach 60, and they are very common in adults over 90.
The findings from this study suggest that keeping diastolic blood pressure within a healthy range could help protect white matter and prevent these types of brain issues. It also emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure checks, not just focusing on the top number but paying attention to the bottom number as well.
The researchers noted that different parts of the brain receive blood from different arteries. High blood pressure can damage these areas in specific ways, leading to unique patterns of brain damage. Understanding these patterns better could help doctors develop more targeted treatments to prevent conditions like strokes and dementia.
Dr. Michelle R. Caunca, who led the study, believes these findings could change how doctors think about blood pressure and brain health. She suggests that keeping an eye on both systolic and diastolic pressure may be important for maintaining not just heart health, but also brain health as people age.
The study was published in the journal Stroke and adds to growing evidence that proper blood pressure management can help protect the brain as well as the heart.
For older adults, it may be particularly important to keep diastolic pressure at safe levels to avoid brain damage that can lead to serious health problems. Regular check-ups and discussions with a doctor can help identify risks early and allow for better prevention strategies.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
For more information about brain health, please see recent studies that blueberry supplements may prevent cognitive decline, and results showing higher magnesium intake could help benefit brain health.
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