In a recent medical study, Italian researchers linked high blood pressure when standing up to the risk of heart attack and stroke.

The study’s senior author, Paolo Palatini, professor of internal medicine at the University of Padua in Italy, said that the results of the study “confirmed our initial hypothesis, which is that the apparent increase in blood pressure when switching from a sitting position to standing, could be an indicator of serious diseases in young people.”

“We were somewhat surprised that even a relatively small increase in blood pressure (6 to 7 mm Hg) was predictive of serious heart disease in the long term,” Palatini added.

The study, whose results were published in the scientific journal Hypertension, included 1,200 adults, aged between 18 and 45 years, who were not treated from the first stage of high blood pressure known as “systolic blood pressure (140 to 159 mm Hg)”, or “Diastolic blood pressure (90 to 100 mmHg)”.

None of the participants had taken medication to lower blood pressure before the study, and all were initially assessed as being at low risk for major heart diseases based on their lifestyle and medical history, knowing that they did not suffer from diabetes or kidney impairment, according to the agency “United”. Press International News.

During the study, participants’ blood pressure readings were taken in different physical positions, including lying down and after standing.

Among the participants who recorded the highest rise in blood pressure when standing, the average blood pressure increase in the top 10 percent was 11.4 mmHg, and all scored an average of more than 6.5 mmHg.

The other participants also recorded a mean decrease of 3.8 mmHg in systolic pressure when standing.

During a 17-year follow-up, study participants experienced 105 major heart-related symptoms, the most common of which were heart attacks, heart-related chest pain and stroke.

The researchers found that the odds of a major cardiac event nearly doubled for people in the top 10 percent.

After adjusting for average blood pressure over 24 hours, the researchers concluded that a significant increase in blood pressure when standing still remains a predictor of heart attack, stroke, and other major cardiovascular diseases.

Commenting on the study, Palatini said: “The results suggest that standing blood pressure should be measured in order to customize treatment for patients with hypertension. A lifestyle-based approach and blood pressure lowering therapy may be considered for people with high blood pressure. Hyperreactive or increased blood pressure in response to standing.