Why It’s so Important to Manage Your Blood Pressure

The importance of lowering and managing blood pressure is continuously stressed, as high blood pressure is linked with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. But research findings have uncovered another benefit of lowering your blood pressure.

Research presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference suggests that treating high blood pressure aggressively could protect the brain and specifically help ward off cognitive changes.

The researchers of the study compared two strategies to lowering blood pressure in over 9,300 persons. One method was standardized treatment to achieve systolic blood pressure below 14 mmHg. The second strategy was to keep the systolic reading below 120 mmHg. The aggressive mode of treatment not only protected the heart but the brain too.

Those in the aggressive treatment group were 19 percent less likely to have new cases of mild cognitive impairment compared to the standardized treatment group. These patients were also 15 percent less likely to develop dementia.

The study sheds light that lower blood pressure is far more ideal with regard to heart health and brain health. Although a systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or less is deemed ideal, doctors may wish to treat their patient’s high blood pressure more aggressively as to achieve readings below 120 mmHg.

Also read:

• How to lower blood pressure quickly and naturally
• Effective Yoga Poses for Brainpower
• Understanding blood pressure readings key to overall well-being