High blood pressure, known as the ‘silent killer’, significantly increases the risk of serious cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes. Affecting about one in three adults in Germany, it often goes undetected due to a lack of symptoms. Ideal blood pressure targets remain debated, with recent studies suggesting that keeping systolic pressure below 120 mmHg can reduce severe health risks. Aging impacts blood pressure, necessitating lifestyle changes and appropriate medication to manage hypertension effectively.
Understanding High Blood Pressure: A Hidden Threat
High blood pressure, often dubbed the ‘silent killer’, poses a significant risk as it can lead to severe cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks and strokes. Despite the growing concern, there remains considerable debate regarding what constitutes ideal blood pressure levels. An expert sheds light on this critical issue.
This prevalent condition affects approximately one in three adults in Germany, frequently going unnoticed due to the absence of acute symptoms over extended periods. However, over time, it can inflict damage on essential organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes by depriving them of oxygen-rich blood and nutrients. Furthermore, high blood pressure is the primary risk factor for strokes and heart attacks, making untreated hypertension potentially life-threatening in the long run.
What Are the Ideal Blood Pressure Values?
So, what should your blood pressure readings ideally be? Blood pressure is measured using two figures: the upper (systolic) and lower (diastolic) values. The systolic value reflects the pressure in your blood vessels when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood (systole), while the diastolic value indicates the lowest pressure in the vessels just before the next heartbeat when the heart is relaxed and filling with blood (diastole).
According to the German Heart Foundation, the ideal blood pressure values are a topic of ongoing debate. For instance, in the United States, a reading of 130-139/80-89 mmHg is already classified as high blood pressure.
A recent study from China, published in ‘The Lancet’, indicates that for patients dealing with hypertension, an optimal target may be to maintain systolic blood pressure below the standard threshold of 120 mmHg. The study involved 11,255 participants, averaging 64.6 years, including individuals with diabetes and a history of strokes.
Participants were divided into two groups to assess the effects of intensive medication on systolic blood pressure. The first group aimed for readings below 120 mmHg, while the second group received standard treatment with a target below 140 mmHg. Both groups utilized two to three different blood pressure medications.
After an average follow-up of 3.4 years, only 9.7% of the intensive treatment group experienced severe heart disease, compared to 11.1% in the standard treatment group. Researchers concluded that aiming for a systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg might effectively prevent severe vascular events in hypertensive patients, regardless of their diabetes or stroke history, with minimal additional risk.
However, a cardiologist cautions that while the results are statistically significant, they should be interpreted with care, as the primary goal is preventing severe outcomes such as strokes, heart attacks, or sudden cardiac death. Interestingly, there were few reports of side effects among those in the intensive treatment group, where the average blood pressure was lowered to 119.1 mmHg. This contrasts with clinical experiences, where many patients report difficulties in maintaining blood pressure below 130 mmHg due to side effects.
Cardiologist Schunkert expresses skepticism about the Chinese recommendation for maintaining blood pressure below 120 mmHg, particularly in older patients. He cautions against excessive reduction in cases where patients may suffer more from treatment than from high blood pressure itself. For those who struggle with blood pressure management, a target of 130 mmHg may be more appropriate. However, values exceeding 135 mmHg are concerning as they significantly elevate the risk for subsequent diseases. If patients tolerate their medications well, targeting 120 mmHg is advisable for many.
The question arises: what is the ideal blood pressure for a healthy individual? Schunkert explains that those with naturally lower upper blood pressure values, such as 100 or 90, may have a lower risk of subsequent diseases compared to individuals with readings around 120, provided they do not experience any symptoms.
For those who monitor their blood pressure regularly at home, different thresholds apply. The cardiologist points out that sustained average readings over 135/85 mmHg for seven consecutive days indicate high blood pressure. This discrepancy is often attributed to anxiety during clinical measurements.
The Impact of Age on Blood Pressure
As people age, blood pressure typically increases due to the loss of elasticity in blood vessels. According to the German Heart Foundation, a reading exceeding 140/90 mmHg signals the need for medication and lifestyle adjustments for individuals aged 18 to 65. For those aged 65 to 79, the threshold remains the same, while for fit individuals aged 80 and above, it is raised to 160/90 mmHg.
Experts recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle to help manage high blood pressure. This includes engaging in regular endurance activities such as cycling, walking, jogging, or swimming for at least 30 to 45 minutes, three times a week. Incorporating light strength and endurance training, as well as isometric exercises like wall sits, can also be beneficial. Low-impact sports such as table tennis or golf are encouraged as well.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and achieving weight loss are crucial steps. If necessary, it’s essential to consistently take prescribed blood pressure-lowering medications to maintain overall health.