Most people know that blood pressure is important for heart health, but fewer people realize it may also play a key role in keeping the brain healthy.
A new study from the University of Miami suggests that the lower number in a blood pressure reading, known as diastolic blood pressure, could give important clues about a person’s risk of brain problems later in life.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first, or top number, is called systolic pressure. It shows how strongly blood pushes against the walls of the arteries when the heart beats. The second, or bottom number, is called diastolic pressure. It measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats.
For many years, doctors have focused mainly on the systolic number when checking for heart disease and stroke risk. However, this new research suggests that the diastolic number may also be very important, especially for the brain.
In this study, scientists examined 1,205 adults who were aged 50 and older. They recorded each person’s blood pressure and used MRI scans to look closely at their brains. The goal was to find small areas of damage called white matter lesions. These are tiny scars in the brain that can build up over time.
White matter is an important part of the brain. It acts like a network of pathways that carry signals between different brain regions. These signals control many functions, including movement, thinking, memory, and balance.
When white matter is damaged, these signals cannot travel properly. This can lead to problems such as memory loss, slower thinking, difficulty walking, and a higher risk of falls or stroke.
The researchers found a clear pattern. People with lower diastolic blood pressure, especially those with readings below 80, tended to have fewer white matter lesions. In contrast, those with higher diastolic pressure, above 90, were more likely to have a greater number of these brain scars.
This finding is important because it adds new understanding to what scientists already know. Previous research has shown that high systolic pressure can damage blood vessels, making them stiff or narrow.
This can reduce blood flow to the brain and lead to injury. The new study shows that diastolic pressure also plays a role, particularly in areas of the brain that are linked to memory and thinking.
The study also focused on a specific type of brain lesion called periventricular white matter lesions. These are found near fluid-filled spaces in the brain and are strongly linked to problems with thinking and memory. By paying attention to diastolic blood pressure, doctors may be able to spot early signs of these changes before serious symptoms appear.
White matter lesions are very common, especially as people get older. According to the American Heart Association, between 10 and 20 percent of people have these lesions by the age of 60.
By the age of 90, almost everyone has some degree of white matter damage. While some of this change is part of normal aging, higher levels are linked to more serious health problems.
The brain depends on a steady supply of blood to work properly. Different parts of the brain receive blood from different arteries, and high blood pressure can affect these areas in different ways. Understanding how both systolic and diastolic pressure influence the brain may help doctors design better ways to prevent conditions such as stroke and dementia.
The researchers, led by Michelle R. Caunca, published their findings in the journal Stroke. They emphasize that people should not ignore their blood pressure numbers. Knowing both the top and bottom numbers can give a fuller picture of health.
Talking with a doctor about blood pressure and how to manage it is an important step. Simple actions such as eating a balanced diet, staying active, reducing salt intake, and managing stress can help keep blood pressure in a healthy range.
While more research is still needed, this study highlights a simple but powerful message. Paying attention to the often-overlooked lower number in blood pressure readings may help protect the brain and reduce the risk of serious problems in the future.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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