Scientists at the University of Miami have found that the lower number in your blood pressure reading, known as diastolic pressure, could give important clues about brain health.
This number might help doctors predict problems like memory loss, stroke, or even falling as you get older.
When doctors check your blood pressure, they look at two numbers. The top number is called systolic pressure, which shows how hard your blood pushes when your heart beats. The bottom number, called diastolic pressure, shows how much pressure there is when your heart is resting between beats.
In the past, most doctors focused on the top number to check for heart problems. But now, this new study suggests the bottom number also matters—especially when it comes to your brain.
Researchers studied 1,205 people who were 50 years or older. They measured their blood pressure and took MRI pictures of their brains. They were looking for tiny scars in the brain called white matter lesions.
These scars are a sign of damage and can make it harder for the brain to send signals properly. People who have more of these brain scars are more likely to have memory problems, fall more easily, or have a stroke.
The study found something interesting. People who had a lower diastolic pressure—below 80—had fewer of these brain scars. But people who had higher diastolic pressure—above 90—had more of them.
We already knew that having high systolic pressure (the top number) can damage blood vessels and the brain. But now, scientists say that the lower number also plays a part, especially in areas of the brain that control memory and thinking.
The white matter in our brain acts like a network of roads, helping signals travel smoothly. When white matter gets damaged, these signals are blocked. That can lead to problems with thinking clearly, remembering things, or keeping your balance.
Experts say that around 10 to 20 percent of people will have white matter damage by age 60. Almost everyone over 90 has it. So finding ways to prevent this brain damage is really important.
This study shows that paying attention to diastolic blood pressure could help doctors catch brain problems earlier. It’s especially helpful in finding certain types of brain lesions—called periventricular white matter lesions—that are strongly linked to memory loss.
Different parts of the brain get blood from different arteries, and high blood pressure can affect each one differently. By learning how this happens, doctors may be able to find better ways to prevent memory loss, stroke, or dementia before they begin.
The researchers say it’s important to know your blood pressure numbers and talk with your doctor about how to manage them.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Early heart rhythm problem linked to higher dementia risk and findings of Green leafy vegetables may help reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about Research shows an important cause of frontotemporal dementia and findings of New way to detect Lewy body disease early, a leading cause of dementia.
This study was led by Michelle R. Caunca and published in the journal Stroke.
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