It all starts with small leaps: scientists have uncovered a deadly threat to millions of people.

A new study conducted by scientists has revealed that middle-aged individuals experiencing persistent fluctuations in blood pressure face a significantly higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those with stable readings. Thus, even slightly elevated but consistent blood pressure may be much safer than ongoing spikes between normal levels and deviations, as reported by the American Heart Association.

The research findings, presented at the Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association, indicate that individuals with the highest variability in blood pressure are at a 40-70% greater risk of sudden cardiac death — a life-threatening event that occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, leading to the failure of other organs.

The study, led by Ritam Patel and published in the journal Circulation, involved an analysis of data from 23,499 individuals whose blood pressure was continuously measured over 15 years, followed by 30 years of observation by researchers. Blood pressure variability was assessed regardless of whether participants initially had normal, low, or high blood pressure.

It was found that even a 1 mm Hg increase in systolic pressure variability is associated with a 3% increase in the risk of sudden cardiac death. Cardiologist Donald Lloyd-Jones, a senior researcher on the study, emphasized that blood pressure should not only be viewed as a static number but should also be monitored for fluctuations over time to identify individuals at elevated risk of such complications.

This finding may pave the way for developing more effective methods for hypertension and heart disease prevention using electronic health records and long-term patient monitoring, according to the authors. However, the study did not investigate the underlying causes of how such variability affects heart health. Experts suggest that factors such as inconsistent medication adherence, lifestyle changes, or stress may contribute to blood pressure instability and act as catalysts for these events.

Other doctors and researchers have highlighted the need for further studies to identify the mechanisms causing these fluctuations and to examine their long-term effects on cardiovascular health. They noted that blood pressure spikes create stress on the body, potentially increasing the heart's vulnerability to fatal complications.

The data obtained by the researchers underscore the importance of stable blood pressure control in preventing complications related to various aspects of our health. Although the complete study results have yet to undergo peer review, they serve as a reminder for practicing physicians and patients to consider fluctuations in readings as a crucial indicator of long-term health rather than merely high or low values at a specific moment.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict it. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For diagnosis, please consult a physician.