When it comes to our health, we tend to think that everything with our body should be at an optimal level. Blood pressure, on the other hand, is one of those things that we want to be lower than average because we have always associated high blood pressure with potential health risks. However, recent studies have shown that modestly elevated blood pressure readings can be surprisingly beneficial to our overall health. In this blog post, we will explore some of those unexpected benefits of what is a high blood pressure reading.

Lower risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia

Studies have found that individuals with elevated blood pressure readings have a much lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The reason for this is that the high pressure forces more blood to flow to the brain, and this additional blood flow helps to keep the brain healthy and functioning properly. Therefore, having slightly higher than average blood pressure can possibly prevent or delay cognitive decline.

Reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease

Aside from preventing cognitive decline, studies have also found that individuals with higher blood pressure readings may have a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. According to researchers, this is because the additional blood flow brought about by high blood pressure can help protect the neurons in the brain that are affected by the disease.

Better bone density

Research has shown that high blood pressure readings may be good for our bones. One study found that women with elevated blood pressure had higher bone density than those with normal blood pressure readings. It is believed that increased blood flow resulting from higher blood pressure helps to provide additional nutrients to bones, which can help improve bone density and strength.

Lower risk of depression

A definitive link between high blood pressure and mental health has been established. A study showed that individuals with higher blood pressure readings had lower rates of depression and anxiety. It is believed that high blood pressure helps to stimulate the production of serotonin and other neurochemicals in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Reduced risk of cancer

High blood pressure might have a possible link to a lower risk of cancer. A study found that individuals with higher blood pressure readings had a lower risk of stomach cancer. The study’s researchers believe that the additional blood flowing to the stomach and other organs can help prevent cell damage, which can lead to cancer.

Conclusion: In conclusion, high blood pressure can have some beneficial effects on our health that we never expected before. While we still need to make sure that our blood pressure readings do not exceed dangerous levels, it’s essential to understand that slight elevation can have a positive effect as well. The key takeaway is to get our blood pressure checked regularly, speak with our healthcare professional to determine if our blood pressure levels are in a safe range, and take appropriate action if necessary. It’s important that we don’t panic if our blood pressure readings are slightly elevated and remember that there might be some upside to it after all.