Researchers have published additional evidence that systolic blood pressure - the first, or upper, number in BP measurement - is a more significant predictor of heart attack, stroke, and total mortality than diastolic or pulse pressure. In a study of nearly 6000 adults aged 65 or older, systolic pressure was a better predictor of cardiovascular events and the only measure associated with total mortality.

The association between blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk was linear - that is, as blood pressure increased, the risk became greater. The risks for heart attack and stroke were less pronounced in people who were receiving treatment for their hypertension.

These findings underscore the importance of adhering to treatment in order to lower blood pressure, particularly systolic pressure. While all measures of blood pressure were strongly and directly related to the risk of coronary and cerebrovascular events, systolic pressure was the best single predictor of future trouble.

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