Berlin. Certain patterns apply to lowering high blood pressure. A study now questions that — and could change therapy.
Measure blood pressure correctly
Blood pressure is one of the most important indicators of health. Because: A very high value can lead to serious illnesses. Especially in combination with other Risk factors As diabetes or arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The most important goal of therapy is to lower the values of those affected.
Hypertensive patients, or people at increased risk of heart attack, stroke or arterial occlusive disease, may therefore benefit from a Reducing blood pressure benefit. However, this reduction should be greater than in the Standard therapy is currently recommended. This is demonstrated by a current study published in the journal “The Lancet”.
THE national care guidelines currently recommends setting blood pressure to values below 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The individual target value results from the range between 120/70 to 160/90 mmHg, depending on factors such as concomitant medication or the age of the affected person. However: In recent years it has been discussed several times whether the standard should be changed and blood pressure lowered to values of below 120mmHg could be better.
High blood pressure: study examines impact on risk groups
This issue is particularly important for at-risk groups – such as people with diabetes mellitus. previous stroke or others cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have not yet been able to clearly clarify whether restrictive blood pressure reduction has a positive effect on the risk of death.
Blood pressure too high? A doctor measures the readings to decide if therapy is necessary.
© Klinikum Bad Bramstedt | Bad Bramstedt Hospital
That’s why scientists have now examined exactly this in more detail. It was the only one so far largest study on the effects of lowering blood pressure below 120 mmHg on serious vascular events – i.e., heart attacks, strokes, deaths from cardiovascular disease, and hospitalizations or emergencies due to heart failure.
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The average age of the 11,255 study participants was 64.6 years, and baseline systolic blood pressure was between 130 and 180 mmHg. In addition, 4,359 men and women had diabetes mellitus and 3,022 had previously suffered a stroke.
As a result, the blood pressure of 5,624 individuals was significantly reduced, while 5,631 received standard treatment. The result: During the Monitoring period From three to four years, mean systolic blood pressure was 119 mmHg in the intensive treatment group and 134.8 mmHg in the standard treatment group.
“All risk groups benefited equally”
In the intensive treatment group the risk of stroke was heart attack, Death The German Society of Neurology (DGN) explains that cardiovascular diseases or hospital admissions for heart failure fell by 12% overall. “All risk groups benefited equally from the more intense reduction in blood pressure,” the medical society said.
More on the topic of blood pressure
The DGN concludes that if possible with regard to previous illnesses, age and tolerance, the blood pressure of those affected can also be reduced to values of 120 to 130 mmHg. Naturally, the critical question that needs to be clarified is whether low blood pressure tolerated by patients. Symptoms of low blood pressure may manifest as dizziness, fainting, twitching before the eyes, morning fatigue, lack of direction and poor performance.
For DGN, the new study has great potential for one group of patients in particular: stroke patients in the Aftercare. “The findings will ensure that a more ambitious approach Reducing blood pressure than previously intended,” said DGN Secretary General Peter Berlit.