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High Blood Pressure: a risk for serious health problems, including dementia

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for stroke and coronary heart disease. High blood pressure also contributes to chronic heart failure and chronic kidney failure. ¹ What is less well known is that having high blood pressure is also a risk factor for dementia. Based on current research evidence: ^2,3

'One of the most important means of reducing the risk of dementia is the treatment of high blood pressure (hypertension).'

What is blood pressure and how is it measured?

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. It is usually measured with an inflatable arm cuff and digital measuring device ('sphygmomanometer') and recorded as two numbers:

• A higher number, which indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart squeezes blood out during each beat (systolic blood pressure)
• A lower number, which indicates the pressure as the heart relaxes before the next beat (diastolic blood pressure)

What is high blood pressure?

There is no firm rule about what defines high blood pressure. However, the National Health Foundation ¹ suggests the following as a useful guide:

Normal blood pressure: generally less than 120/80 mmHg (i.e. systolic blood pressure less than 120 and diastolic blood pressure less than 80 mmHg)

Normal to high blood pressure: between 120/80 and 140/90 mmHg.

High blood pressure: 140/90 mmHg or higher. If your blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg or higher, you have very high blood pressure.

Does blood pressure really matter?

If blood pressure stays high, it can contribute to serious problems such as a heart attack, a stroke, heart failure or kidney disease, as well as dementia. High blood pressure usually does not give warning signs. You can have high blood pressure and feel perfectly well. The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is by having it checked regularly by your doctor.

How do I keep my blood pressure in check?

The National Heart Foundation ^1,5,6 recommend that to keep your blood pressure in check you should:

• Visit your doctor, have your blood pressure checked regularly and follow treatment advice
• Be smoke free (for information on quitting, call the Quitline 13 QUIT)
• Reduce your salt intake (to less than 1 tsp per day)
• Keep a healthy body weight (to find out if your weight is a health risk check with your doctor)
• Be physically active (30 minutes per day of moderate activity like walking or cycling)
• Limit your alcohol (≤ 2 standard drinks per day)

For more information on keeping your blood pressure in check, you can contact the National Heart Foundation Health Information Service by calling 1300 36 27 87 (for the cost of a local call) or visit www.heartfoundation.org.au

People who need help achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can access personal and confidential support through the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service, by calling 1300 806 258 or www.gethealthynsw.com.au