from Loyola University
Some of us may not know our blood pressure
and more of us may not understand the
significance of the top and bottom blood
pressure numbers. A Loyola University study
presented to the American Heart Association’s
Council on Hypertension Scientific Sessions
says lowering blood pressure’s top number—
the systolic pressure—to one hundred twenty
or less could prevent more than one hundred
thousand deaths each year. Researchers used
findings from a blood pressure intervention
trial that estimated lowering systolic blood
pressure reduced the risk of death by twentyseven
percent. This study further calculated
that intensive lowering of systolic blood
pressure would save lives of one hundred
seven thousand people, especially those over
fifty.