High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious health issue that affects many people around the world.
It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other dangerous health problems.
Doctors usually measure blood pressure using two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic number is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The diastolic number is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
In the past, doctors have tried to keep diastolic blood pressure between 70 and 90. But a new study led by scientists from NUI Galway is challenging that idea.
The researchers studied the medical records of over 47,000 people from different countries. They found no strong evidence that low diastolic pressure is dangerous. In fact, it seems that worrying about diastolic pressure being “too low” might not be necessary.
The study also confirmed that systolic pressure—the top number—is the one to watch. People with systolic pressure above 120 had a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. So the researchers recommend treating high blood pressure to get systolic pressure down to somewhere between 100 and 130 mmHg.
This shift in focus could change the way doctors treat high blood pressure. Instead of worrying about both numbers, the main goal would be to manage systolic pressure. This could make treatment easier and more effective—and help prevent serious complications like heart attacks.
What can you do to prevent high blood pressure?
Keep a healthy weight. Extra weight puts pressure on your heart.
Eat a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Limit salt. Too much sodium raises blood pressure. Try to stay under 2,300 mg a day.
Exercise regularly. Physical activity helps lower your blood pressure.
Drink alcohol in moderation—no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women.
Don’t smoke. Smoking damages your blood vessels and raises your risk of high blood pressure.
Manage your stress. Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Get your blood pressure checked regularly. You might not feel any symptoms, but early treatment can prevent problems later.
In short, this new research suggests that focusing on lowering systolic pressure is the best way to treat and manage high blood pressure. Making smart lifestyle changes and working with your doctor can help you take control of your blood pressure and protect your heart.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that new research challenges conventional blood pressure guidelines and scientists make a big breakthrough in high blood pressure treatment.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies that widely used blood pressure drug may increase eye disease risk and common blood pressure drugs linked to cognitive decline.
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