100, 110 or below 120: What your systolic blood pressure means for brain health

Cardiologist Dr Kota Reddy explained to fitness expert Terri Alani that a systolic blood pressure of 100 or 110, without dizziness, is the optimal blood pressure for brain health. He stated that ideally, the upper number in a blood pressure reading should remain below 120 mmHg. However, Dr Nitin K Sethi, a neurosciences expert, cautioned that while maintaining blood pressure in a healthy range can reduce the risk of stroke and brain damage, excessively low blood pressure can also cause problems.

Symptoms of low blood pressure include dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, weakness, fatigue, confusion, or fainting. Dr Sethi emphasized that blood pressure targets should be individualized, especially for the elderly and those with conditions like kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, or a history of falls. He also noted that aggressively lowering blood pressure in some individuals could increase the risk of dizziness and falls or reduce blood flow to vital organs.

High blood pressure can damage the brain's small blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of stroke, cognitive decline, and vascular dementia. Lifestyle changes, such as reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco, can help control blood pressure. Medication may be necessary if blood pressure remains high despite lifestyle modifications.

Dr Sethi stressed that the goal is to maintain blood pressure at a healthy level that is well tolerated by the individual, rather than simply aiming for the lowest possible number.