High blood pressure and brain disease are very dangerous, but highly preventable conditions. Over 30 million people worldwide suffer from dementia and nearly 70 million people just in the U.S. have hypertension. Researchers at the American Heart Association have found that the two might have a connection.
High Blood Pressure and Brain Disease
The American Heart Association (AHA) made a statement regarding brain disease and blood pressure.
It is based on observational research from previous studies that high blood pressure and brain disease may have a correlation.
There have been other observational studies also trying to find a tie between the two, with their findings being similar. Dr. Costantino Iadecola, the chair of the writing committee, stated, “Many observational studies suggest treating hypertension may reduce the cognitive impact of high blood pressure, especially on vascular cognitive impairment, but observational studies are not designed to prove cause and effect.”
Some of the studies were far after doctors diagnosed the person with hypertension to the time they diagnosed cognitive issues. Years in between each of these moments made it difficult to pinpoint at what blood pressure level brain disease began.
The researchers did find some hopeful answers through clinical trials, but because the trials didn’t specifically study if high blood pressure affected cognition, they cannot make any official claims.
Iadecola followed up saying, “We know treating high blood pressure reduces the risk of heart diseases such as heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and stroke, and it is important to continue treating it to reduce the risks of these diseases. However, we need randomized controlled studies – which do prove cause and effect – to determine if treating high blood pressure, especially in middle age, will also decrease the risk of cognitive impairment later in life.”
A New Study
A current study aims to see if there is a correlation between the treatment of hypertension and cognitive issues. If the case can confirm that lowering blood pressure can help alleviate brain problems, then researchers around the world can have more to base their hypotheses on.
Dementia affects about 30 to 40 million people worldwide. That number may triple by 2050, meaning that research on the subject is extremely important.
Vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease cause roughly 80% of cognitive issues. Both vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease link to hypertension. That means high blood pressure links to brain disease.
Improving Blood Pressure
When it comes to improving blood pressure levels, you don’t have to necessarily resort to medications.
One of the biggest factors in lowering blood pressure is leading a healthy lifestyle, which can help avoid taking medications in the future.
If you lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight, you can vastly help improve your numbers.
As weight increases, so does blood pressure; it can also disrupt breathing during sleep, which also increases blood pressure levels.
Two things that can simultaneously help you lose weight and lower blood pressure is exercising regularly and eating healthy.
By exercising around 30 minutes, 5 days a week, you can lower your blood pressure by about 5 to 8 mm Hg.
Moreover, if you switch to a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, you can lower blood pressure levels by about 11 mm Hg.
Individuals with High blood pressure should monitor regularly to decrease the risk of heart or brain disease. Talk to your doctor about blood pressure management and what options are best and healthiest for you.
Resources
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-10/aha-hbp100516.php