Blood Pressure And Strokes: What's The Connection?

While high blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes, it is not the only cause. Strokes occur when a blood vessel to the brain is narrowed or blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Studies have shown that low blood pressure is also associated with an increased risk of stroke and an elevated risk of dying from stroke. However, the reason for this link is still unclear. People with systolic blood pressure below 120 mm Hg and at least one other health risk factor, such as smoking, obesity, or a history of coronary heart disease, are at the highest risk of having a stroke.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for strokes

Over time, high blood pressure damages arteries throughout the body. Weakened or blocked arteries in the brain create a much higher risk for stroke. A stroke happens when a blood vessel to the brain is narrowed or blocked by a clot (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). When that happens, part of the brain is no longer getting the blood and oxygen it needs, and brain tissue starts to die. This can threaten your ability to think, move and function, and can affect language, memory and vision. Severe strokes may even cause paralysis or death.

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so it is important to get your blood pressure checked often. If you have high blood pressure, lowering your blood pressure through lifestyle changes or medicine can also lower your risk for stroke. Whether your blood pressure is high or normal, you should eat a healthy diet, including reducing salt intake, engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy weight, avoid tobacco smoke, take your medication as prescribed, and limit your alcohol consumption.

While high blood pressure is a major risk factor for strokes, studies have also shown a link between low blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke, as well as an elevated risk of dying from stroke. Scientists are still learning about the relationship between low blood pressure and stroke, and it is unclear why this link exists.

Chronically low blood pressure can also increase the risk of strokes

While high blood pressure is a well-known risk factor for strokes, chronically low blood pressure can also increase the risk of strokes.

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. It is recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (when the heart muscle contracts) and diastolic pressure (when the heart muscle rests between beats and refills with blood).

Low blood pressure is generally defined as blood pressure that is lower than 90/60 mm Hg. For some people, low blood pressure is typical and not a cause for concern. However, for others, it may be due to a health condition or certain risk factors, such as family history, age, lack of physical activity, poor diet, obesity, or excessive alcohol consumption.

Although less common than high blood pressure in people who have strokes, chronically low blood pressure has been linked to an increased risk of stroke and an elevated risk of dying from a stroke. Scientists are still studying the relationship between low blood pressure and stroke, but some research suggests that people with low blood pressure may have more complications and poorer outcomes after a stroke.

Orthostatic Hypotension and Stroke Risk

One condition that can increase the risk of stroke is orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up. This can cause a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain, leading to a "low-flow" transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ministroke. According to a 2018 study, people with orthostatic hypotension had double the risk of having an ischemic stroke compared to those without the condition.

Complications of Low Blood Pressure After a Stroke

In addition to an increased risk of stroke, low blood pressure may also increase the risk of in-hospital complications after a stroke. These complications can include gastrointestinal bleeding, sepsis, and falls or injuries, especially in older adults.

Treatment for Low Blood Pressure

Treatment for low blood pressure depends on the underlying cause. For example, if dehydration or a lack of salt in the diet is the cause, a doctor may recommend increasing fluid or electrolyte intake. Lifestyle changes, such as wearing compression socks, eating small frequent meals, and reducing alcohol consumption, can also help improve blood pressure.

In summary, while high blood pressure is a more common risk factor, chronically low blood pressure can also increase the risk of strokes and lead to more severe outcomes. It is important to monitor your blood pressure and seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of stroke or dangerously low blood pressure.

High blood pressure can lead to blood clots and ruptured arteries

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a leading cause of strokes. It is often called a "silent killer" because it has no apparent symptoms, and many people are unaware that they have it. Therefore, regularly checking your blood pressure is crucial.

High blood pressure occurs when blood flows with too much force, putting extra pressure on the arteries. This excess pressure stretches the arteries beyond their elastic limit, causing small tears in the blood vessel walls. The body then tries to repair these tears with scar tissue. However, this scar tissue can trap substances like cholesterol and fats, leading to plaque buildup. This process, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and can result in blockages.

The plaque buildup can further restrict blood flow, causing blood clots and hardened, weakened arteries. These clots can block or restrict blood flow to the brain, leading to an ischemic stroke. Additionally, the weakened arteries created by high blood pressure can burst, resulting in a hemorrhagic stroke.

While high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for strokes, studies have also found a link between low blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke. People with low blood pressure are at a higher risk of dying from a stroke and experiencing complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding and sepsis. A sharp drop in blood pressure can also lead to a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ministroke due to a temporary reduction in blood flow to the brain.

There are several risk factors for high blood pressure

While high blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes, it is possible for people with normal blood pressure to experience a stroke. Studies have shown a link between low blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke, as well as an elevated risk of dying from a stroke. However, scientists are still unsure why this link exists.

• Family history and genetics: High blood pressure often runs in families, and many genes are linked to small increases in high blood pressure risk.
• Age: Blood pressure tends to rise with age as blood vessels naturally thicken and stiffen over time.
• Race and ethnicity: High blood pressure is more common in Black adults than in White, Hispanic, or Asian adults.
• Sex: Men are more likely than women to develop high blood pressure throughout middle age, but in older adults, the likelihood reverses.
• Lifestyle habits: Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as consuming a lot of salt, caffeine, or alcohol, or not getting enough physical activity, good-quality sleep, or proper nutrition can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
• Certain medications: Some medications, such as antidepressants, decongestants, hormonal birth control pills, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can interfere with the body's ability to control blood pressure.
• Chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of high blood pressure.
• Stress: High levels of stress can lead to temporary but dramatic increases in blood pressure.
• Vitamin D deficiency: While the link is uncertain, researchers believe that vitamin D may affect an enzyme produced by the kidneys that influences blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure

While high blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes, studies have shown that low blood pressure is also associated with an increased risk of stroke. Chronically low blood pressure raises the risk of stroke, and people with systolic blood pressure below 120 mm Hg and at least one other health risk factor are at the highest risk of dying from stroke.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help lower blood pressure. Reducing salt and alcohol intake is also important, as high alcohol consumption is a risk factor for both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.

Regular physical activity

Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your blood pressure in check. Physical activity helps keep your heart and blood vessels strong and can also help maintain a healthy weight.

Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese means the heart must work harder to pump blood and oxygen around the body. Losing weight reduces the stress on the heart and lowers the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Avoid tobacco smoke

Smoking damages blood vessels and greatly increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Quitting smoking is crucial for improving overall health and lowering blood pressure.

Take prescribed medication

For those with high blood pressure, taking medication as prescribed is essential for controlling blood pressure and reducing the risk of stroke. It is important to work with a healthcare professional to manage blood pressure effectively.

Frequently asked questions