New research indicates that postponing the onset of high blood pressure may significantly decrease the risk of a stroke. Recent findings, shared in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, reveal that the longer individuals experience high blood pressure, the more likely they are to suffer from a stroke and the higher their necessity for blood pressure-lowering treatments. Notably, this increased stroke risk persists even if hypertension is being managed medically.
Dr. George Howard, an emeritus distinguished professor specializing in biostatistics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and lead author of the study, emphasized the need to shift focus toward preventing high blood pressure rather than solely concentrating on its treatment. He noted that while managing blood pressure is essential for stroke prevention, strategies to stop hypertension from developing should also be prioritized.
Currently, close to 50% of adults in the United States are affected by high blood pressure, known clinically as hypertension. This condition arises when the blood exerts excessive pressure against the walls of blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. A teen or adult is diagnosed with high blood pressure if their systolic (upper number) registers at 130 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or higher, or if their diastolic (lower number) shows 80 mmHg or above. Conversely, a reading under 120/80 mmHg is considered normal. Many individuals remain unaware that their blood pressure is elevated since hypertension often presents no obvious symptoms.
The study monitored a group of 27,310 American adults over a median span of 12.4 years, with the average age of participants being 65. Results indicated that those who lived with hypertension for extended periods needed to take more classes of antihypertensive medications. On average, individuals who had hypertension for 21 or more years required 2.28 classes of drugs, while those who had hypertension for five years or less averaged 1.68 classes of medication.
Furthermore, the research highlighted an alarming increase in stroke risk correlated with the duration of hypertension. Even after accounting for various influencing factors, participants with hypertension for up to five years faced a 31% heightened risk of stroke compared to those with normal blood pressure. For individuals who had hypertension for six to 20 years, the risk surged to 50%, and among those living with hypertension for over two decades, the risk was 67% greater.
These findings underscore the critical need for early identification and management of blood pressure issues before hypertension develops, as pointed out by Dr. Shawna Nesbitt, medical director at Parkland Health’s Hypertension Clinic. “The duration of exposure to this high pressure is detrimental,” she explained, although she was not involved in the study. Dr. Nesbitt emphasized that preventing strokes linked to prolonged hypertension can yield numerous benefits beyond just individual health. She highlighted the enormous costs associated with strokes, which not only lead to potential lifelong disabilities but also necessitate long-term care that deeply impacts both individuals and their families.
To maintain healthy blood pressure levels, the American Heart Association (AHA) advocates for a balanced diet, moderation in alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, effective stress management, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco use, and adhering to prescribed medications as necessary. The AHA aims to promote heart and brain health and asserts that not all opinions expressed in these findings represent their official stance.
