If you have diabetes, you know that you should be trying to lower your blood pressure. But how low do you need to go? A brand-new study has identified a new target blood pressure that can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and overall mortality in diabetics.
Roughly 420 million people around the world suffer from type-2 diabetes, and between 70- and 80-percent of them also have high blood pressure. Diabetes can exacerbate the problems associated with high blood pressure like heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
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The new study published in the journal Hypertension suggests a target heart rate of 130/80 or below for diabetics. The research showed that people who received treatment to keep their blood pressure in this range were less likely to have a stroke, heart attack, experience heart-related complications, or die from any cause than those with higher blood pressure.
Diabetics are twice as likely to die from cardiovascular disease than the general population, while having the same risk for a heart attack as someone who’s already had one. Controlling blood pressure may be a key component of avoiding diabetes-related death.
It is possible to lower blood pressure without medical intervention. If you’re on blood pressure medication, you can further lower blood pressure by adopting some specific lifestyle measures.
Losing weight can affect your blood pressure in a relatively short period of time. In overweight or obese people, losing as little as 10 pounds can reduce blood pressure by 4.5mmHg/3mmHg. A properly constructed diet typically results in weight loss at a rate of between one to two pounds per week.
Increasing activity is another way to help lower blood pressure. Getting daily activity can help promote a stronger heart more capable of pushing blood through your arteries. Research has indicated regular daily exercise can lower systolic blood pressure by 4-9 mmHg. Aim for about 150-minutes per week, increasing intensity as capability grows.
Keeping in blood pressure in check is especially important for diabetics, and this new target can help prevent heart-related complications. Having a goal to shoot for can make your journey more accessible and boost chances of success.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
