Why New Research on Normal Blood Pressure Is Controversial Among Doctors
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world, and blood pressure is one of the key factors that can cause these diseases. In this article, we will look at optimal blood pressure numbers and why they are so important to staying healthy. You will learn what numbers are the norm and why new research is causing controversy among doctors. Given that blood pressure is almost a direct cause of cardiovascular disease, this important topic is worth learning about for everyone.
What Does the Latest Research Say About Optimal Blood Pressure?
In 2017, the American Heart Association revised its guidelines for acceptable blood pressure values. Under the new guidelines, the maximum allowable blood pressure is 130 over 80 mm Hg. However, European guidelines still state that 140 over 90 mm Hg is the normal blood pressure.
The American Heart Association relied on studies conducted on people with cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke, vascular atherosclerosis, and those with diabetes. These studies showed that people with blood pressure above 130 over 80 mm Hg have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease and death.
Despite this, European guidelines still state that normal blood pressure should not be higher than 140 by 90 mm Hg. It is also worth noting that blood pressure values can vary depending on a person’s age, gender, and general health.
In December 2022, the American Academy of Family Medicine published its new guidelines for lowering blood pressure. To do this, the latest 3.7 years of research was analyzed. According to the studies, lowering blood pressure to values less than 140 over 90 does not result in a marked improvement in mortality, especially in healthy people.
In addition, it is noted that the use of medications that lower blood pressure can cause various side effects. This study involved nearly healthy people, 75% of whom did not have any chronic diseases. These new guidelines may help doctors manage patients’ blood pressure more effectively and safely.
Some medical associations in the United States, such as the Diabetes Association and the Hypertension Association, recommend that people with diabetes, stroke and atherosclerotic vascular lesions keep their blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg. However, this can cause resentment in people whose blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg.
Many of them may accuse doctors and the pharmaceutical industry of conspiracy, claiming that the recommendations to lower blood pressure are related to increased drug sales. However, they forget that even the American Heart Association’s guidelines recommend that people with blood pressure values between 130 and 140 mm Hg not take blood pressure lowering drugs in the first six months, but that they try to change their lifestyle. However, many people are unwilling to make the effort to change their lifestyle and prefer to blame doctors and the pharmaceutical industry for the conspiracy.
What Are the Health Effects of Not Watching Your Blood Pressure?
Failure to monitor blood pressure can lead to serious health consequences, especially with regard to the development of type 2 diabetes. This disease does not develop suddenly, but is preceded by a long time, sometimes even years, beginning with insulin resistance and pre-diabetes. During this time, high blood pressure can have a negative impact on health, increasing the risk of various complications.
However, many people do not realize that they have a predisposition to develop diabetes and do not see a doctor in the early stages of the disease. They can live for years without knowing about their condition or controlling their blood pressure. By the time they are diagnosed, they may already have serious health damage, making treatment a difficult and time-consuming process.
Studies show that people with blood pressure risk factors of 10 mm Hg increase their risk of various complications by a factor of two. This underscores the importance of blood pressure monitoring and regular check-ups with your doctor, especially for those who are predisposed to developing diabetes mellitus.
Let’s take a closer look at how atherosclerosis and high blood pressure can be related. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which fatty deposits (plaques) gradually form on the walls of blood vessels. One of the factors that contribute to the development of atherosclerosis is high blood pressure.
Many people may not know they have atherosclerotic plaques because they have not had a complete checkup, including all necessary arteries. This is especially true for people over the age of 40, who have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. At the same time, they may have high blood pressure, which makes it worse.
If you don’t take care of your blood pressure, you may make your condition worse by increasing your risk of developing serious complications. For example, high blood pressure can damage the walls of blood vessels, which in turn can lead to the formation of plaques. As a result, damaged blood vessels can become blocked, causing heart attacks, strokes, or other serious illnesses.
The next factor is stroke. Stroke is a serious illness that can lead to disability and even death. Ischemic stroke, which occurs because of problems with the blood supply to the brain, can be caused not only by blood clots that form in the atria due to atrial fibrillation, but also by blood clots that form on atherosclerotic plaques in the cerebral vessels.
Atherosclerosis is a long-term process, and many people do not realize that they are at risk for stroke, even if they have not been found to have atherosclerotic plaques in one particular area. This is because a person has many vessels, including brain vessels, coronary vessels, abdominal aorta, iliac arteries, femoral arteries, hamstring arteries and renal arteries, and atherosclerotic plaques can develop in any of them.
Many people may have atherosclerotic plaques after the age of 40, but don’t realize it and don’t get the necessary treatment. In turn, this can lead to prolonged high blood pressure, exacerbating the condition and increasing the risk of stroke. Therefore, it is important to get regular medical checkups and monitor your health to prevent the development of atherosclerosis and related complications such as stroke.
Natural Methods of Lowering Blood Pressure
For many people, the recommended blood pressure numbers of 130 over 80 and below are more realistic and helpful. If you are able to have a full workup and find that you have no atherosclerotic plaques or other risk factors, a figure of 140 over 90 may be acceptable to you.
However, if you don’t have the time or opportunity for a full examination, lowering your blood pressure can be achieved without taking medication. For example, reducing your sodium intake and losing weight can help lower your blood pressure. Reducing your weight by 10 pounds can reduce your upper blood pressure by almost 10 millimeters of the mercury column.
It is also important to consume enough potassium, which is a sodium antagonist. There are foods rich in potassium, as well as special potassium supplements. In addition, magnesium levels should be monitored, since a lack of magnesium can also lead to an increase in blood pressure. These measures can be taken quickly and can greatly improve your health.
Another important measure for lowering blood pressure is physical activity. Even small daily exercises, such as walking or running, can help improve heart health and lower blood pressure. Regular strength training or yoga classes can also be helpful.
However, if lifestyle changes do not help lower your blood pressure to the level you want, you may need to take medications. There are many different medications that can help control blood pressure, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and others.
It is also important to understand that lowering blood pressure can take time. Some people may see results as soon as a few weeks after starting a lifestyle change, while others may take months or even years to get the results they want.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blood pressure control is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Many physician associations recommend keeping blood pressure no higher than 130 over 80, especially for people with diabetes, hypertension, and atherosclerotic vascular lesions.
Although many people may not want to take medications to lower their blood pressure, there are many medications and non-pharmacological ways that can help control blood pressure. If we take these steps, we can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and the serious consequences associated with high blood pressure, such as myocardial infarction and strokes. It is important to understand that blood pressure control is an investment in our health and longevity.