Dallas, Texas – Having high blood pressure usually means that the patient has a heart problem. A new study by American Heart Association (AHA) researchers found that at any age, blood pressure problems can be diagnosed and the patient’s brain may be at risk. According to their study, even slightly elevated blood pressure at any given time can lead to a rapid cognitive decline in adults.
The team in Brazil says high blood pressure is a risk factor for problems such as memory, verbal fluency, attention and concentration. Health experts believe that systolic blood pressure (number one) should be raised from 120 mmHg to 129 mmHg. Systolic pressure above 130 mmHg or diastolic pressure above 80 mmHg (second number) is considered hypertension.
“We initially expected that the negative effects of hypertension on cognitive function would be more significant when hypertension begins at a young age, however, our results show a similar rapid cognitive decline in hypertension even if it started in middle age or old age,” says the University author. Minas Gerais’ medical professor Chandi M. Barreto said in a press release. “We have also found that effective treatment of high blood pressure at any age can reduce or prevent this acceleration. Collectively, the findings suggest that high blood pressure should be prevented, diagnosed and effectively treated at any age to protect cognitive function. ”
The study collected data on more than 7,000 adults aged 59 on average in Brazil. The researchers looked at both their blood pressure measurements and cognitive health for almost four years. Based on their mental fitness, the study examined each person’s thinking and reasoning abilities through tests on their memory, speech quality and awareness.
High blood pressure affects the mind quickly
Patients with systolic blood pressure of 121 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of 81 to 89 mm Hg and those who do not take medication experience experience a rapid decline in their cognitive abilities. This change occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients.
The researchers also found that the speed of the fall had nothing to do with the time a patient had high blood pressure. This means that high blood pressure, even for a short period of time, can affect a person’s rate of mental decline. Adults who do not control their blood pressure with antihypertensive drugs find rapid rates of cognitive impairment.
“In addition to the other proven benefits of controlling blood pressure, our results demonstrate the importance of diagnosing and controlling high blood pressure at any age to prevent or reduce cognitive decline,” Barreto added. “Our results reinforce the need to maintain low blood pressure levels throughout life, because even early hypertension levels are associated with cognitive decline.”
“Although the participants in our study are adults from Brazil, we hope that our findings apply to other regions as well. Previous studies have shown that risk factors, including similar unhealthy behaviors and high blood pressure, are common in the development of heart disease in different peoples around the world,” concludes Barreto.
The AHA says that almost half of all adults in the United States have high blood pressure or hypertension. If left untreated, this condition can significantly increase a patient’s risk of both heart attack and stroke.
The study was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association high blood pressure.