Dr. Guallar and his colleagues studied the effects of high systolic and diastolic blood pressure simultaneously and found a direct and consistent correlation between increased systolic blood pressure and an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and for all other causes among all of the study participants. Increased diastolic pressure over 80 mm Hg was also associated with an increased risk of death. However, for people under 65, the risk of death remained the same for diastolic reading of 80 mm Hg or lower. For participants over 65 years of age, the risk of death increased with low diastolic pressure.

The researchers found a complex association between pulse pressure and mortality. Increasing pulse pressure caused by increased systolic pressure was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Decreased pulse pressure caused by increased diastolic pressure could be associated with increased risk, decreased risk, and no change in the risk of mortality.

"Pulse pressure alone, without appropriate attention to systolic and diastolic blood pressure components, is an inadequate indicator of mortality risk," said Dr. Guallar.

'"/>

Contact: Tim Parsons or Kenna Brigham
paffairs@jhsph.edu
410-955-6878
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
3-Nov-2003