A Rise in Blood Pressure Upon Standing| Future Heart Attack symptom| Stroke Risk| High Blood pressure

Increased blood pressure when standing in some people may indicate an increased risk of heart problems later in life, new research shows. Findings can help health care providers better determine future cardiovascular risk and treatment options.

The study, published in the journal American Heart Association's Hypertension, found that among 18- to 45-year-olds with high blood pressure (hypertension), increased blood pressure while standing showed an increased risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks. , chest pain associated with heart and stroke.

"The findings suggest that arterial blood pressure should be moderated to improve the treatment of patients with high blood pressure, and possibly, the most aggressive lifestyle change and antihypertensive treatment can be considered in people with high blood pressure." and professor of internal medicine at the University of Padova in Italy, in a press statement.

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Of these people, in particular, many are unaware that they have high blood pressure: A 2020 JAMA study found that 67% of people aged 18 to 44 were unaware that they had high blood pressure. And even among those who know about high blood pressure, few 18- to 44-year-olds have high blood pressure medication, compared with people 45 years of age and older. New research shows that management among these individuals plays a key role in future cardiovascular health. Standing Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Event Risk

In a new study, researchers from Padova University examined data from 1,207 people aged 18 to 45 with untreated first-degree hypertension (systolic blood pressure of 140-159 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure -90-100 hh mg). None of the study participants had taken any medication to lower blood pressure, and all were considered to be at low risk for major cardiovascular events.

At the time of their enrollment in the study, patients had six blood pressure counts performed at various locations, including when lying down and after standing up. Of all participants, 120 (10%) experienced a higher elevation of more than 6.5 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure while standing. Some participants had an average drop of 3.8 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure.

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The researchers followed the patients after an average of 17 years, finding 105 major cardiac events among study participants, including heart attack, heart-related chest pain, and stroke. Those with high blood pressure were twice as likely as others to experience a cardiovascular event — even if they did not have a high-risk profile.

Changes in blood pressure are important not only because of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease but also because it is the opposite of what is normal for standing. According to researchers, systolic blood pressure drops dramatically when people get up.

"When standing, more blood vessels in our legs and less blood are transported to the upper parts of our body," Aesita Dwivedi, MD, a cardiologist at Lenox Hill Hospital who was not involved in the study, told Health.com. "The body ... has internal mechanisms to fight changes in the area and blood pressure usually returns to normal within seconds."

"This study identifies a group of patients with compensation procedures who are overworked in this change of position," said Drs. Dwivedi. "Furthermore, since these are young patients, early detection and strong blood pressure control can help improve long-term outcomes."

Although the research results were important, there were still limitations. All study participants were white, and the majority (72%) were male, so the results may not be visible to people of other races or ethnicities, or gender. More research is needed to confirm these findings with different people. A New Way to Measure Blood Pressure?

According to Drs. Palatini Healthcare providers often do not measure blood pressure while standing but research results suggest that it may be beneficial.

"The best way would be to measure blood pressure in all young subjects in a posture focused on systolic blood pressure," said Drs. Palatini. "If lying in the blood pressure difference exceeds 6-7 mmHg and orthostatic blood pressure is in the high blood pressure range, using a shortcut method such as lowering blood pressure, drug treatment should be started."

For now, however, blood pressure measurement procedures will not see any change. "Although this study is not prone to mutations, it requires extensive studies to further the study if this group of patients could benefit from dynamic blood pressure control," said Drs. Dwivedi.

In the meantime, it is important to seek regular preventive medical care — which includes annual checkups with health care providers that include blood pressure readings. People of all ages should continue to focus on a healthy, ongoing lifestyle to avoid chronic cardiovascular problems.