Lowering blood pressure has been shown to have a positive effect on life expectancy. Studies have found that people who have their blood pressure lowered through lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, or through the use of medications, have a lower risk of death from any cause, including heart disease and stroke. In addition, research suggests that reducing blood pressure can reduce the risk of developing dementia and cognitive decline.
The effects of lowering blood pressure on life expectancy are most pronounced in people with hypertension, or high blood pressure. This is because high blood pressure can damage the walls of the arteries, leading to an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and other complications. By controlling high blood pressure, it is possible to reduce the risk of these complications and extend life expectancy.
In addition to lifestyle changes and medications, other treatments, such as weight loss and stress management, can also help to lower blood pressure. Studies have found that weight loss can reduce systolic blood pressure by up to 8 mmHg. Stress management can also reduce systolic blood pressure by up to 10 mmHg.
Overall, it is clear that controlling high blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of death from any cause, and that lowering blood pressure can extend life expectancy. Lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments can all help to reduce blood pressure and improve health outcomes.