The Link Between Low Blood Pressure Levels and Cardiovascular Outcomes in the Asian Population: A Longitudinal Study

A recent longitudinal study has shed light on the relationship between low blood pressure levels and cardiovascular outcomes in the Asian population. This extensive study used health insurance claims data and annual health check-up records from the Japan Health Insurance Association, spanning over 30 million individuals. The research primarily focused on low-risk patients being treated with antihypertensive drugs, categorizing them based on their systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.

Key Outcomes of the Study

The primary outcomes of the study included acute myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease. Interestingly, the findings revealed that the Asian population might have a better tolerance to lower blood pressure levels. The study employed Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the correlation between baseline on-treatment blood pressure and cardiovascular outcomes. Furthermore, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also conducted to solidify the findings.

The Burden of Hypertension in Asia

According to a source, the burden of hypertension in the Asia Pacific region is high due to the larger population base and higher systolic diastolic mean arterial blood pressure in Asian individuals compared to Western individuals. It's worth noting that Calcium channel blockers are the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive agents in Asian countries. However, in many countries, angiotensin receptor blockers are more commonly prescribed than angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, despite evidence suggesting that ACEis are associated with better cardiovascular outcomes.

Blood Pressure Control Rates in Asia

Notably, blood pressure control rates are suboptimal but tend to be higher in more developed Asian countries. This suggests that more efforts are needed to improve blood pressure management in less developed countries in order to reduce the burden of hypertension and its associated disorders.

Socioeconomic Status and Cardiovascular Health

A study exploring the association of socioeconomic status (SES) with Life's Essential 8 (LE8) metrics - including blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, sleep, and diet - found that the association of SES with LE8 scores was higher in women compared with men for non-Hispanic Black Americans and non-Hispanic White Americans. Among non-Hispanic Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans, the association of SES with LE8 was not different between men and women. The findings suggest that improving socioeconomic status is beneficial for both men and women of all races and ethnicities, but women of some races and ethnicities may have a greater association of SES with cardiovascular health than men.

Implications and Future Directions

The results of this longitudinal study highlight the need for more nuanced approaches to managing blood pressure levels in the Asian population. Further research is required to refine these findings and develop targeted interventions. This will help to advance sex-based cardiovascular health equity, particularly in women of certain races and ethnicities.

Moreover, the findings underscore the importance of considering socioeconomic factors when addressing cardiovascular health and implementing interventions. As the association between low blood pressure and cardiovascular outcomes continues to be explored, such research will provide valuable insights that can contribute to more effective health policies and practices.