New data suggests that individuals with diabetes and heart disease may benefit from having blood pressure that’s slightly higher than what’s considered normal for healthy Americans.

Researchers studied 6,400 patients for a period of six years. They found that the blood pressure range considered normal for healthy individuals may actually be risky for those with a combined diagnosis of diabetes and coronary artery disease.

"Our data suggest that in patients with both diabetes and coronary artery disease, there is a blood pressure threshold below which cardiovascular risk increases," lead researcher Rhonda Cooper-DeHoff said.

Instead of aiming for a systolic blood pressure reading of 120, Cooper-DeHoff says that levels between 130 and 140 appear to be the most healthful for these individuals. She also says that this group of patients showed an increased risk for heart attack, stroke or death when their blood pressure was controlled to lower than 115 systolic, which is the range recommended as normal by the American Heart Association.

High blood pressure, which is a common condition among diabetics, doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition to lifestyle changes like weight loss and exercise, supplements containing potassium, calcium, fish oil, magnesium and garlic may help high blood pressure.