A recent study from the University of Miami suggests that diastolic blood pressure—the lower number in a blood pressure reading—may be an important factor in assessing brain health. Researchers found that higher diastolic blood pressure is linked to brain scars, known as white matter lesions, which can increase the risk of dementia, stroke, and falls.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The top number, systolic blood pressure, measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart beats. The bottom number, diastolic blood pressure, measures this force when the heart rests between beats.
While systolic blood pressure is often considered the best predictor of heart disease, this study highlights the significance of diastolic blood pressure in brain health.
The researchers analyzed MRI scans of 1,205 adults aged 50 and older to examine the link between blood pressure and white matter lesions. They found that people with lower diastolic blood pressure had fewer lesions than those with diastolic blood pressure above 80.
In particular, individuals with diastolic blood pressure below 80 had smaller lesions in three key brain regions compared to those with levels over 90.
White matter consists of nerve fibers that carry messages between different parts of the brain. When lesions form, these signals can be disrupted, affecting movement, sensation, and thinking abilities. This can lead to a higher risk of falls, memory problems, and cognitive decline.
By age 60, an estimated 10% to 20% of people have these lesions, and they become more common with age, appearing in most adults over 90.
Previous studies have linked high systolic blood pressure to narrowed arteries that contribute to these lesions. However, this research suggests that diastolic blood pressure plays a critical role as well. The location of these lesions matters—those in the periventricular region of the brain appear to have a stronger connection to cognitive decline.
The study reinforces the importance of monitoring blood pressure and discussing the best treatment options with a doctor. Understanding the impact of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure could help prevent brain-related complications in older adults.
The study, led by Michelle R. Caunca, was published in Stroke.
If you care about dementia, please read studies about low choline intake linked to higher dementia risk, and how eating nuts can affect your cognitive ability.
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