Question 33 of 433
What blood pressure should I aim for?
The short answer
A goal below 130/80 mm Hg is common for adults with hypertension when tolerated. A lower systolic goal may suit selected patients; symptoms, frailty, other conditions, and measurement method matter.
If I could give every adult one gift, it would be a home blood pressure cuff and the habit of using it. High blood pressure has no symptoms. It quietly damages the heart, the kidneys, the eyes, and above all the brain. It is one of the strongest changeable risk factors for dementia.
In the landmark SPRINT trial, treating to about 120 instead of 140 cut heart events by a quarter and deaths by more than a quarter. No supplement in this book comes close to that.
Measure at home, seated, after five quiet minutes, arm supported at heart level. Take two readings. Bring the log to your doctor.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST HUMAN TRIALS — Adults with hypertension: cardiovascular benefit of treatment; intensive targets require individual selection.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 3, Q33 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.