High Blood Pressure While Lying Flat Linked to Increased Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
New research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2023 reveals a concerning connection between high blood pressure while lying flat on one’s back and an elevated risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or premature death. This groundbreaking study highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure in various positions to accurately assess cardiovascular disease risk.
The autonomic nervous system plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure in different body positions. However, gravity can cause blood to pool when seated or upright, resulting in challenges for the body to properly regulate blood pressure while lying down, seated, or standing. Lead study author Duc M. Giao, a researcher and 4th-year M.D. student at Harvard Medical School, warns that measuring blood pressure solely while individuals are seated may lead to missed opportunities in assessing cardiovascular disease risk.
To delve into the relationship between body position, blood pressure, and heart health risk, the researchers examined the health data of 11,369 adults from the longitudinal Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. During the enrollment period between 1987-1989, participants had their blood pressure measured while briefly lying down at a clinic. The data collected during this period, known as ARIC visit 1, included both supine (lying flat on their backs) and seated blood pressure measurements. The participants were followed for an average of 25 to 28 years until ARIC visit 5, where health data was collected from 2011-2013.
The findings of the study are as follows:
– 16% of participants without high blood pressure while seated had high blood pressure while lying supine.
– 74% of participants with seated high blood pressure also had supine high blood pressure.
– Compared to individuals without high blood pressure in both positions, those with high blood pressure in both supine and seated positions had a significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, overall premature death, and dying from coronary heart disease.
– Participants with high blood pressure while lying supine but not while seated faced similar elevated risks as those with high blood pressure in both positions.
– The use of blood pressure medication did not affect these elevated risks in either group.
Giao emphasizes that individuals with known risk factors for heart disease and stroke could greatly benefit from having their blood pressure checked while lying flat on their backs. Furthermore, efforts to manage blood pressure throughout the day may help lower blood pressure during sleep. Giao calls for further research comparing supine blood pressure measurements in the clinic with overnight measurements.
It is important to note that the study focused on middle-aged adults at the time of enrollment, so the results may not be as applicable to older populations. However, this research sheds light on the significance of considering body position when monitoring blood pressure and assessing cardiovascular disease risk.
This study serves as a crucial reminder to healthcare professionals and individuals at risk to engage in comprehensive blood pressure monitoring. Incorporating measurements while lying flat on one’s back can provide unique insights and lead to more accurate assessments of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and premature death risk. By proactively managing blood pressure, individuals can take important steps towards protecting their heart health and overall well-being.
