A significant difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure may be associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. This conclusion was reached by American researchers. The results were presented at the annual scientific session of the American College of Cardiology (ACC.26).
What exactly did the researchers study
The study used data from 8,536 individuals over the age of 50 who participated in the large SPRINT project. Participants had their blood pressure measured regularly.
Systolic pressure reflects the maximum load on the vessels at the moment the heart contracts, while diastolic pressure indicates the minimum pressure between beats. The difference between these indicators is called pulse pressure.
What conclusions were drawn
During the observation period, probable dementia was diagnosed in 323 participants.
The analysis showed that the higher the pulse pressure and heart rate, the greater the risk of cognitive impairment. With an increase in this indicator, the likelihood of dementia or mild memory impairment rose by approximately 76%.
Why this is important
Researchers also assessed the speed of the pulse wave — a measure that reflects the stiffness of the vessels and their "aging." Dementia was significantly more common in individuals with higher values of this parameter.
Importantly, all these indicators can be determined during a routine medical examination — based on standard measurements of blood pressure and pulse.
This opens up the possibility of identifying an increased risk of dementia at early stages and taking timely measures: controlling blood pressure, adjusting lifestyle, and reducing strain on the vessels.
The difference between systolic and diastolic pressure is not just numbers on a sphygmomanometer, but an important signal about the state of the vessels and potential risks to the brain. Regular blood pressure monitoring can help detect problems long before the first symptoms appear.
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