While blood pressure is usually measured while sitting still, new research suggests that shaking things up could be more effective. The study found that young and middle-aged people whose systolic blood pressure rose more than 6.5 mmHg when standing were more likely to have serious health problems. From heart attacks to strokes, this sign indicated a higher risk for various emergencies. Researchers are now emphasizing the importance of measuring standing blood pressure in young and middle-aged adults with hypertension. READ MORE: Diabetes: The summer snack that could reduce post-meal glucose spikes for ‘hours’ This update could help suggest early treatment and identify the highest risk. Paolo Palatini, lead author of the study, said: “This finding may justify starting blood pressure-lowering therapy, including drugs earlier in patients with an exaggerated blood pressure response to standing.” Typically, systolic blood pressure tends to drop slightly when you are standing. However, this research evaluated whether the opposite response—a significant increase in systolic blood pressure—could be a risk factor for heart attack and other serious cardiovascular events. DON’T MISS OUT Including 1,207 people between the ages of 18 and 45, the research team looked at people with untreated stage 1 hypertension. This stage was defined as a systolic blood pressure of 140–159 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure of 90–100 mmHg. In addition, all participants were considered to be at low risk for major cardiovascular events. During the study, the researchers took six blood pressure readings for each participant in various body positions. READ MORE: Dementia: The ‘sneaky’ ingredient linked to memory problems – millions of Brits eat it The researchers also looked at risk factors for heart disease, laboratory measures and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks. During the follow-up period, 105 people experienced a major cardiovascular event, with the most common being heart attacks, heart-related chest pain and strokes. Palatini said: “The results of the study confirmed our initial hypothesis. “A sharp rise in blood pressure from supine to standing could be prognostically important in young people with high blood pressure. “We were rather surprised that even a relatively small rise in standing blood pressure (6-7 mm Hg) was predictive of major cardiac events in the long term. “The findings suggest that standing blood pressure should be measured in order to tailor treatment for patients with high blood pressure, and potentially a more aggressive approach to lifestyle changes and blood pressure-lowering therapy may be considered for people with increased blood pressure. [hyperreactor] Blood pressure response to standing.” While measuring blood pressure in this way could help predict greater risk for health problems, the researchers note that the results need to be confirmed in larger studies. Additionally, this research only looked at white participants and there were also not enough women in the study sample.
