High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common health problem that can lead to serious conditions like heart disease, strokes, and kidney problems if left untreated.
For many years, doctors have tried to keep both blood pressure numbers—the top (systolic) and the bottom (diastolic)—within a certain range. However, new research suggests that doctors may not need to worry as much about how low the bottom number goes when treating high blood pressure.
A recent international study, led by scientists from NUI Galway and other research institutions, looked at health data from more than 47,000 people across the world. The goal was to find out whether lowering diastolic blood pressure too much might be harmful.
Surprisingly, the researchers found no evidence that very low diastolic pressure caused any problems. This finding challenges the old idea that there is a dangerous “lower limit” for diastolic pressure.
Instead, the researchers suggest focusing more on the systolic pressure—the top number, which shows the force of the blood against artery walls when the heart beats.
Based on their analysis, they recommend that people with high blood pressure aim for a systolic reading between 100 and 130 mmHg. They believe this range is ideal for reducing the risk of serious health problems while being safe, even if the diastolic number falls lower than previously thought.
This shift in thinking could change the way doctors treat high blood pressure. If confirmed by future studies, it may lead to more targeted treatments that focus on controlling systolic pressure without the need to worry about the bottom number dropping too much. This could help lower the chances of heart attacks, strokes, and other complications.
Of course, while proper treatment is important, preventing high blood pressure in the first place is even better. There are several ways to lower your risk through healthy lifestyle choices. Staying at a healthy weight helps reduce the strain on your heart.
Eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy can also help keep blood pressure in check. Cutting back on salt is especially important, as too much sodium can raise blood pressure. Experts suggest limiting salt intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day.
Regular exercise, like walking, cycling, or swimming, can lower blood pressure and help with weight control. If you drink alcohol, try to limit it—no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women.
Smoking also raises blood pressure and damages blood vessels, so quitting smoking can have major health benefits. Stress can also play a role in high blood pressure. Practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help manage daily stress.
Finally, because high blood pressure often has no clear symptoms, it’s important to check it regularly. Many people don’t even know they have it until they get tested. Catching it early allows for proper treatment and helps prevent long-term health problems.
The study, led by Bill McEvoy and published in the journal Circulation, adds valuable insight into how we manage and treat high blood pressure. It encourages a fresh look at current medical guidelines and may lead to more effective care in the future.
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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