A recent study from the University of Southern California highlights the potential dangers of blood pressure fluctuations between heartbeats, linking them to brain health issues in older adults.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) has revealed that fluctuations in blood pressure between heartbeats may pose a significant risk to brain health, particularly in older adults. This research suggests that these beat-to-beat changes in blood pressure can be just as critical as overall blood pressure readings when it comes to cognitive function and memory.
The study found that older adults who experienced greater variability in blood pressure from one heartbeat to the next exhibited smaller brain volumes in regions associated with memory. Additionally, these individuals had elevated levels of a protein linked to nerve-cell injury. “Even when blood pressure is well-controlled with medication, the rapid fluctuation in blood pressure from heartbeat to heartbeat is associated with worse memory and signs of brain shrinkage and brain cell injury,” said USC Professor Daniel Nation, the senior author of the study.
Nation explained that blood pressure is not a static measurement; it continuously adapts to the body’s needs. However, as individuals age, this regulatory mechanism can become less precise, leading to potential health concerns.
The study involved 105 participants aged between 55 and 89, during which researchers monitored their blood pressure continuously for several minutes while conducting brain scans. The focus was on measuring the stiffness of the participants’ arteries and the extent of blood pressure changes between heartbeats.
Even when participants had average blood pressure readings that appeared healthy, those with the most erratic fluctuations—combined with stiffer arteries—showed significant signs of brain aging. Specifically, they had smaller hippocampal and entorhinal cortex regions, which are among the first areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, these individuals had higher blood levels of neurofilament light, a biomarker indicative of nerve-cell damage.
The findings, published online in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease on October 17, suggest that the fluctuations themselves may be a critical risk factor for cognitive decline, independent of overall blood pressure levels. This research adds a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about blood pressure and dementia risk, moving beyond the traditional focus on high blood pressure alone.
Nation expressed surprise at the discovery that rapid fluctuations in blood pressure were linked to brain injury, regardless of whether participants had hypertension or were receiving treatment with blood pressure-lowering medications. This indicates that individuals could have “good” blood pressure readings during medical check-ups while still experiencing dangerous spikes and dips that could stress the brain’s delicate blood vessels.
Over time, these fluctuations may contribute to memory decline and neurodegeneration, raising concerns about the long-term implications for brain health.
Despite the significant findings, the researchers caution that the study only establishes correlation and does not prove causation. More research is needed to explore how these rapid blood pressure fluctuations evolve over time and whether they can predict future brain shrinkage, brain cell injury, and cognitive decline.
Currently, there are no specific treatments available to address these fluctuations. However, the researchers stress the importance of monitoring blood pressure and adhering to prescribed blood pressure-lowering medications to mitigate the risk of brain injury and memory decline. “Development of therapies to address rapid blood pressure fluctuations should be a priority, since these rapid fluctuations are not fully addressed by existing treatments that focus on lowering average blood pressure,” Nation added.
This study underscores the need for a broader understanding of blood pressure management, particularly in older adults, as researchers continue to uncover the intricate connections between cardiovascular health and cognitive function.
Source: Original article