128 80 blood pressure
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Understanding 128/80 Blood Pressure: Insights from Recent Research
Global Blood Pressure Trends and Implications
Blood pressure is a critical health metric, with raised levels being a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. A comprehensive analysis of global blood pressure trends from 1975 to 2015 reveals significant insights into how blood pressure levels have evolved across different regions and populations1.
Global Averages and Regional Variations
In 2015, the global age-standardized mean systolic blood pressure was 127.0 mm Hg for men and 122.3 mm Hg for women, while the mean diastolic blood pressure was 78.7 mm Hg for men and 76.7 mm Hg for women1. These figures indicate that a blood pressure reading of 128/80 mm Hg falls slightly above the global average for systolic pressure but within the average range for diastolic pressure.
Trends Over Four Decades
Over the past four decades, high-income countries in the West and Asia Pacific have seen substantial decreases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, moving from some of the highest levels worldwide in 1975 to the lowest in 20151. Conversely, regions such as East and Southeast Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and sub-Saharan Africa have experienced increases in mean blood pressure levels1. This shift highlights the growing burden of hypertension in low-income and middle-income countries.
Intensive Blood Pressure Control in Specific Populations
The role of intensive blood pressure control has been particularly studied in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and type 2 diabetes. A study following 950 subjects with type 2 diabetes over five years provides valuable insights into the benefits of maintaining lower blood pressure levels2.
Study Findings on Intensive Blood Pressure Control
Patients in the study who were subjected to intensive blood pressure control, achieving a mean blood pressure of 128/75 mm Hg, experienced a significant reduction in cardiovascular events compared to those under moderate control (137/81 mm Hg)2. Specifically, in patients with PAD, intensive treatment resulted in a marked decrease in cardiovascular events (13.6% vs. 38.7%)2. This suggests that maintaining a blood pressure around 128/80 mm Hg can be particularly beneficial for high-risk populations, such as those with diabetes and PAD.
Conclusion
A blood pressure reading of 128/80 mm Hg is slightly above the global average for systolic pressure but within the average range for diastolic pressure. Global trends indicate a shift in high blood pressure prevalence from high-income to low-income regions over the past four decades. Intensive blood pressure control, achieving levels around 128/75 mm Hg, has been shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular events in high-risk populations, underscoring the importance of maintaining optimal blood pressure levels for overall cardiovascular health.
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