High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a very common health problem. It raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious illnesses.
For many years, doctors believed it was important to control both numbers in a blood pressure reading: the top number (systolic) and the bottom number (diastolic).
But now, new research shows that the top number might be the most important one to focus on.
Your blood pressure reading has two numbers. The top number, called systolic pressure, shows how much force your heart uses to pump blood. The bottom number, called diastolic pressure, shows the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart is resting between beats.
In the past, doctors tried to keep both numbers within a healthy range. But scientists from NUI Galway and other research groups looked at data from more than 47,000 people around the world. They wanted to see if it was risky to lower the diastolic number too much.
Surprisingly, they found no harm in having a lower diastolic number. This goes against what many doctors used to think. Because of this new finding, the researchers now suggest that doctors should focus on lowering the systolic number to between 100 and 130 mmHg. They say not to worry so much about the diastolic number.
This could change how doctors treat high blood pressure and may help people avoid heart problems in the future. By lowering the systolic pressure, people might have a lower chance of heart attacks and strokes.
It’s also important to try to prevent high blood pressure before it starts. Here are some simple steps that can help:
Keeping a healthy weight is important because being overweight makes the heart work harder.
Eating well can help, too. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products.
Try not to eat too much salt. Salt can make the body hold extra water, which raises blood pressure. It’s best to eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day.
Staying active is also good. Regular exercise keeps the heart strong and lowers blood pressure.
Drinking less alcohol helps too. Men should have no more than two drinks a day, and women should have no more than one.
Quitting smoking is a great step. Smoking damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
Stress also plays a role. If you feel stressed often, try deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercises like yoga.
Lastly, get your blood pressure checked often. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, so it’s important to find out early. Early treatment can prevent serious problems.
This study, led by Dr. Bill McEvoy and published in the journal Circulation, may lead to big changes in how high blood pressure is treated. By focusing more on the top number, doctors may be able to better protect people from the dangers of hypertension.
In summary, doctors used to focus on both numbers in a blood pressure reading, but now it seems that the top number is more important. With healthy habits and regular check-ups, people can take control of their blood pressure and stay healthier longer.
unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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