Link Between Blood Pressure and Brain Health
Scientists from the University of Miami have discovered a new connection between blood pressure and brain health, particularly in relation to the lower blood pressure number, known as diastolic blood pressure.
Blood pressure consists of two numbers: systolic pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart is resting between beats.
Researchers studied 1,205 adults aged 50 and older, checking their blood pressure and conducting MRI brain scans to explore this connection.
The bottom number may be just as important—especially when it comes to the brain.
This study suggests that monitoring diastolic blood pressure could help prevent stroke and dementia.
Author's summary: Diastolic blood pressure may help prevent stroke and dementia.