Blood pressure slightly increased - this too can be an indication of brain damage!

Pathological changes in brain volume due to increased blood pressure

People who already have slightly elevated blood pressure levels between the ages of 20 and 40 have a higher risk of brain damage. According to a recent study, increased blood pressure from 140/90 mmHg is associated with a decrease in gray matter in the brain. This can lead to changes in the brain volume and thus to brain damage, especially in younger people.

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) recently found in a study that already slightly elevated blood pressure above normal may be indicative of brain damage. In particular, people between the ages of 20 and 40 are at risk. The study results were recently published in the journal "American Academy of Neurology".

A recent study suggests that elevated blood pressure levels in young adulthood may be an indication of brain damage. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com)

Gray matter of the brain decreases due to high blood pressure

The team led by research leader Professor Arno Villringer found that the brains of people with mildly elevated blood pressure in certain areas show on average a lower amount of gray matter than brains of persons with normal values. Previously, physicians and researchers believed that this can only occur as a result of years of high blood pressure. "Our study suggests that even minor changes in brain gray matter can be seen in young adults who have never been diagnosed with high blood pressure," says Professor Villringer in a press release on the study's findings.

From which blood pressure values ​​can brain damage occur?

According to the researchers, healthy blood pressure is below 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). From a value over 140/90 mmHg, doctors speak of an increased value. "Our measurements show that people with blood pressure above normal had a lesser volume of gray matter in multiple areas of the brain," adds Lina Schaare, lead author of the study. The reduced substance was detected in sections of the cerebrum, hippocampus, amygdala and thalamus.

Hypertension has not proven to be a cause

The researchers emphasize that it has not yet been proven that high blood pressure actually causes the changes in gray matter or that other factors also play a role. This still needs to be investigated in further research projects. Nonetheless, "This study suggests that treating high blood pressure or maintaining lower blood pressure in early adulthood may be essential in preventing the cascade of silent brain changes without symptoms to ultimately damaging conditions for the organs such as stroke and dementia leads ", sums up Professor Villringer.

About the study

The team studied 423 people with a mean age of 28 years using blood pressure measurements and MRI brain scans. 41 percent of the participants had normal blood pressure, 29 percent had blood pressure values ​​between 120/80 and 129/84 mmHg. 19 percent had values ​​between 130/85 and 139/89 mmHg and 11 percent were above these levels. The brain scans showed that the higher the blood pressure level, the more pronounced the reduction in gray matter. (Vb)

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