High blood pressure as a condition carries many key influences that contribute to its cause. Family history, diet, alcohol, weight and physical activity are many factors that can lead to high blood pressure and which can be immediately addressed through a lifestyle change. Treating high blood pressure has been important for a long time in reducing cardiovascular events. Now, increasing evidence for early management of blood pressure helping to also prevent or delay dementia is becoming more apparent with evidence for blood pressure control being reinforced by a report published by John Hopkins in the journal 'Neurology.' This report showed the use of simple blood pressure medication significantly reduced the risk of dementia by up to 75%. While this is good news, one size does not fit all. Since the importance for early intervention and 'precision' medicine with blood pressure control has been established, the need for a focus on individualised blood pressure management has become more evident. A study published in the JAMA Journal 2013 demonstrated the significance of monitoring of an individual’s blood pressure showing a vast difference in varying blood pressure end targets depending on other factors such as a person’s age. Some individuals had shown poorer outcomes if blood pressure was reduced too low and older groups had better outcomes with higher blood pressure targets. Timely initiation of treatment also plays an important role. In the absence of contraindications, it has been suggested that starting blood pressure treatment even in the pre-hypertension range may be beneficial. There is also evidence that there is an association for increased dementia risk even in this suboptimal range. There are many obvious challenges clinicians face in treating high blood pressure, which is why it is essential to have specialist, individualised management. The link between high blood pressure and dementia has been known for many years. With further research, new discoveries into cellular and molecular pathology and the continued advancement towards new technologies, the complex relationship between blood pressure and cognition will become increasingly defined to support the best possible outcomes for individuals. Meanwhile, regular health checks with your GP and healthy lifestyle changes starting today are vital to help prevent and reduce known risk factors for a decline in cognition and dementia. FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU CAN PHONE: National Heart Foundation 1300 362 787 National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 28 Pindara Magazine 2016
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Nine
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