Check: Ideal Blood Pressure Range Identified to Reduce Heart Disease Risk

A recent study from South Korea, published in JMIR Public Health & Surveillance, has shed new light on the complex relationship between blood pressure and mortality. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 69,000 individuals aged 65 and older newly diagnosed with hypertension, suggests that a systolic blood pressure range of 120-139 mmHg is associated with the lowest risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular diseases.

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High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is not without reason called the 'silent killer'. When blood exerts too much pressure on the blood vessel walls, the risk of life-threatening diseases increases over time, but the condition itself often causes no symptoms.

This finding is particularly noteworthy given the differing blood pressure recommendations across various countries. While the United States often aims for around 120/80 mmHg, guidelines in Taiwan suggest a systolic pressure below 130 mmHg, and in Europe and China, the recommendation is to maintain it between 130-139 mmHg. The South Korean study indicates that a systolic pressure below 120 mmHg, previously considered optimal or normal by some, may actually be linked to a higher risk of mortality in older adults.

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The study results showed a clear trend – the lowest overall mortality and the lowest number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases were among people whose systolic blood pressure was 120–139 mmHg.

The implications of this research are significant for public health strategies and clinical practice. It underscores that blood pressure management is not a one-size-fits-all approach and that excessively low blood pressure, often overlooked, can also pose health risks. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and reduced salt intake, remains crucial for cardiovascular well-being, but this study prompts a re-evaluation of target blood pressure levels, especially for the elderly population.

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According to the researchers, current hypertension treatment guidelines often do not specify a minimum safe blood pressure limit. However, the results of this study suggest that excessively low systolic blood pressure in old age may also be associated with a higher health risk.