Illustration symbolizing hypertension control and brain health.

Hypertension and Brain Health: Can Controlling Blood Pressure Prevent Aneurysm Bleeds?

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness September 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research explores the critical link between managing hypertension and reducing the risk of life-threatening aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH)."

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a widespread health issue, particularly among individuals who experience aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a type of bleeding in the brain. While the connection between hypertension and SAH has been recognized, it hasn't been clear whether managing hypertension before such a bleed can actually reduce the risk of severe outcomes.

A new study published in Acta Neurochirurgica sheds light on this critical question. The research investigates how controlling hypertension with medication affects the outcomes of patients who experience aneurysmal SAH. This study aims to provide insights into whether proactive management of blood pressure can lead to better health results following a brain bleed.

This article breaks down the study's findings, explaining what they mean for individuals at risk of aneurysms and highlighting practical steps you can take to safeguard your brain health. Whether you have a history of hypertension or are simply interested in preventative health strategies, this information could be life-saving.

Why Controlling Hypertension Matters for Brain Health

Illustration symbolizing hypertension control and brain health.

The study, conducted by researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, retrospectively reviewed the cases of 348 patients admitted between February 2012 and December 2017. All patients had experienced a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. The researchers divided the patients into two groups: those who had been treated for hypertension before their SAH (the antihypertensive group) and those who had untreated or poorly controlled hypertension (the uncontrolled group).

The researchers then compared several factors between the two groups, including the severity of the SAH, the occurrence of complications, and overall outcomes such as disability and mortality. The findings revealed significant differences:

Clinical Grade: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension tended to have a worse initial clinical grade upon admission.
Severity of Bleeding: The uncontrolled hypertension group experienced more severe aneurysmal SAH and a higher incidence of intracerebral hematoma (bleeding within the brain tissue itself).
Type of Medication: Among patients in the antihypertensive group, those treated with ACE inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) experienced less bleeding compared to those on other types of blood pressure medications.
Complications: The group with controlled hypertension had a lower incidence of rebleeding, hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain), and cerebral vasospasm (narrowing of blood vessels).
Outcomes: This group also experienced lower rates of disability and mortality.

These results suggest that managing hypertension before an aneurysmal rupture can significantly improve a patient's outcome. Moreover, the type of antihypertensive medication may also play a role in reducing the severity of bleeding.

Take Control of Your Brain Health Today

The findings of this study underscore the importance of proactively managing hypertension. If you have high blood pressure, work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that effectively controls your blood pressure. This may include lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, as well as medication. By taking control of your hypertension, you can significantly reduce your risk of severe brain bleeds and improve your overall brain health.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1007/s00701-018-3699-1, Alternate LINK

Title: Effect Of Premorbid Hypertension Control On Outcome Of Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subject: Neurology (clinical)

Journal: Acta Neurochirurgica

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Jianfeng Zheng, Rui Xu, Guojing Liu, Zongduo Guo, Xiaochuan Sun

Published: 2018-10-12

Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary connection between Hypertension and Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)?

The core connection highlighted is that Hypertension, or high blood pressure, significantly increases the risk of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), a type of brain bleed. The research indicates that uncontrolled Hypertension often leads to more severe SAH outcomes, while managing Hypertension can mitigate these risks. This emphasizes the critical role of blood pressure control in preventing and managing SAH.

How did the study assess the impact of Hypertension management on Aneurysmal SAH outcomes?

The study, conducted by researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, retrospectively analyzed 348 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Patients were categorized into two groups: those with controlled Hypertension (the antihypertensive group) and those with uncontrolled Hypertension. Researchers then compared various factors, including the severity of the SAH, the occurrence of complications (such as rebleeding, hydrocephalus, and cerebral vasospasm), and overall patient outcomes (disability and mortality). This comparison allowed the researchers to understand how managing Hypertension affected the severity of the SAH and overall patient health.

What specific findings from the study demonstrate the benefits of controlling Hypertension before an Aneurysmal SAH?

The study revealed several key benefits of managing Hypertension before an Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Patients with controlled Hypertension, as opposed to those with uncontrolled Hypertension, generally had a better initial clinical grade. The controlled Hypertension group experienced less severe bleeding and a lower incidence of complications. They also had lower rates of disability and mortality. These findings collectively highlight the direct and positive impact of managing blood pressure on the outcomes of individuals who experience SAH.

Which type of blood pressure medication seemed to provide better outcomes in patients with SAH?

The study found that, among patients in the antihypertensive group, those treated with ACE inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) experienced less bleeding compared to those on other types of blood pressure medications. This suggests that the specific type of antihypertensive medication used might play a role in reducing the severity of bleeding in patients who experience an Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. This finding underscores that not all blood pressure medications are equal, and some may offer better protection in the context of brain health.

Beyond medication, what other steps can be taken to proactively manage Hypertension for better brain health?

The findings emphasize that proactive management of Hypertension is crucial. Beyond medication, lifestyle modifications also play a significant role. This includes adhering to a diet and exercise regimen designed to control blood pressure. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and close collaboration with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan are also vital. These steps contribute to overall brain health and significantly reduce the risk of severe brain bleeds associated with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.