Lifestyle
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Cardiologist says systolic below 120 aids brain health
The Indian Express··11 Sept
Cardiologist Dr Kota Reddy said systolic pressure of 100 or 110 without dizziness is best for the brain. He said readings ideally stay below 120 mmHg. Neurologist Dr Nitin K Sethi of PSRI Hospital said very low pressure is not always better. He said targets depend on age, medicines and conditions such as kidney or heart disease.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Reddy said high blood pressure can hurt the brain regardless of age.
- Sethi said dizziness, blurred vision, weakness or fainting can signal pressure that is too low.
- He said treatment cannot rest on a single reading and lifestyle steps come before drugs for many people.
What's Happening
- Dr Kota Reddy discussed systolic pressure and brain health with fitness expert Terri Alani.
- Dr Nitin K Sethi said lower long-term pressure can cut stroke and small-vessel damage risk.
- He cautioned against aggressive lowering in older or medically fragile patients who fall easily.
What Persistent Hypertension Does
- Sethi said lasting high pressure can harden small brain vessels and raise stroke and vascular dementia risk.
- He listed salt reduction, weight control, exercise, limited alcohol and no tobacco as first-line measures.
- Medication may start sooner for people with diabetes, kidney disease or existing heart disease.
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