According to a new study, there may be a connection between past blood pressure levels and your current health. Learn more here.
While being able to manage high blood pressure is necessary for your health, past blood pressure spikes may affect you. In a new study, researchers suggest that experiencing high blood pressure can increase your cardiovascular disease risk even if controlled. Dr. Jing Liu, from Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, found the connection along with his colleagues.
As the leading cause of death worldwide, cardiovascular disease (CVD) can lead to a heart attack, stroke, and more. Furthermore, high blood pressure (or hypertension) plays a significant factor in developing heart disease.
Current vs. Past Blood Pressure
According to the research, past and present blood pressure levels need to be taken into consideration as cumulative blood pressure. To find these connections, Liu’s team analyzed the data from a 26-year review of the Chinese Multi-provincial Cohort Study-Beijing Project.
First, researchers analyzed the BP levels of 2,429 participants from 1992 to 2007. Subsequently, they looked at developing CVD cases in these participants from 2007 to 2018.
During the latter period, 207 participants had a CVD event and incidents were higher among those with higher cumulative BP. Participants maintaining an average BP of 131/83 mm/Hg for 15 years had an increased risk of heart disease.
History of Hypertension vs. One Year
According to the results, having one year of high blood pressure is better than having a history of hypertension. Researchers believe doctors need to look at a patient’s blood pressure history instead of single readings in any given year.
In a media release, Dr. Liu explains the findings:
“Our findings show that long-term exposure to high blood pressure may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, although your current blood pressure level is lower than the diagnostic criterion of hypertension. For example, a person with current blood pressure level of 120/70 mmHg, which is within the normal range, could still be at a higher risk of contracting a cardiovascular disease in the future if his/her blood pressure level used to be higher than 130/80 mmHg for a long time, say years, in the past.”
He continues:
“This study underscores the importance of starting BP management early. We wish for our research to guide health care providers to pay attention to a patient’s previous blood pressure levels and duration for which BP has been high, in addition to current levels. This will help to identify individuals at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in the future.”
The Outlook
Based on this research, it’s important that you take care of your blood pressure now before it affects you in the future. Start taking care if your health now by exercising regularly, eating healthily, and taking supplements like L-arginine Plus.
Its ingredients help promote healthy circulation, blood pressure, energy levels, and more. Try L-arginine Plus along with exercise and dieting if you want to support your blood pressure health.