New research highlights the importance of preventing high blood pressure (hypertension) as a way to lower the risk of stroke. Published in the journal Stroke by the American Heart Association, the study found that the longer a person lives with hypertension, the greater their risk of stroke, regardless of whether their blood pressure is managed with medication.
Hypertension and Stroke Risk
Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high, with blood pressure readings of 130/80 mmHg or higher considered elevated. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg.
Nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, making it a major risk factor for strokes and heart attacks. Many people remain unaware they have high blood pressure because it often has no symptoms.
The study, which followed 27,310 U.S. adults for a median of 12.4 years, revealed a strong connection between the duration of hypertension and stroke risk. Participants, with an average age of 65 at the start of the study, showed increasing stroke risks as the years with high blood pressure added up:
- Participants with hypertension for up to five years had a 31% higher risk of stroke compared to those without hypertension.
- Those with hypertension for six to 20 years had a 50% greater risk.
- People with hypertension for more than 20 years had a 67% higher stroke risk.
The findings remained consistent even when accounting for factors like medication use. This suggests that the cumulative damage from prolonged exposure to high blood pressure significantly raises stroke risk, regardless of treatment.
Blood Pressure Management and Stroke Prevention
The study also found that participants with longer durations of hypertension required more medications to manage their condition. On average:
- Those with hypertension for five years or less took 1.68 classes of blood pressure medications.
- Participants with 21 or more years of hypertension needed 2.28 classes of medications.
These results emphasize the importance of preventing high blood pressure before it develops. Dr. George Howard, the study’s lead author, emphasized shifting the focus from treating high blood pressure to preventing it altogether.
“It’s the duration of exposure to this high pressure that is damaging,” added Dr. Shawna Nesbitt, a hypertension specialist not involved in the study.
Broader Implications of Stroke Prevention
The consequences of stroke go beyond immediate health effects. Strokes often lead to long-term disabilities, reducing quality of life and affecting the ability to work.
The financial burden of strokes, including medical costs and long-term care, also impacts families and healthcare systems. Preventing hypertension and reducing stroke risk can alleviate these costs and improve overall quality of life.
Steps to Prevent Hypertension
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends several lifestyle changes to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels:
- Eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay physically active.
- Manage stress effectively.
- Avoid smoking.
- Take prescribed medications as needed.
These measures, when adopted early, can delay or prevent the onset of hypertension, reducing the long-term risk of stroke and its associated complications.
A Call to Action
This study underscores the importance of early detection and prevention of high blood pressure. By identifying blood pressure issues early and promoting healthy lifestyle habits, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of stroke and improve their long-term health outcomes.
As Dr. Nesbitt noted, “Treating and controlling blood pressure earlier saves more than the cost of treatment; it prevents the disability and loss of quality of life caused by strokes.”
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The research findings can be found in STROKE.
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