A new study shows that delaying or preventing high blood pressure could be one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of stroke.
The research, published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, reveals that the longer a person lives with high blood pressure, the higher their chances of having a stroke — even if they take medication to control it.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too strong. Over time, this pressure can damage the arteries and lead to serious conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney problems.
Doctors define high blood pressure as 130/80 mmHg or higher, while normal levels are below 120/80 mmHg. Because hypertension often causes no symptoms, many people don’t realize they have it until it leads to more serious health issues.
The study tracked more than 27,000 adults in the United States for about 12 years. The participants were, on average, 65 years old, and their blood pressure levels were measured regularly over time.
The researchers found a clear pattern: the longer a person had high blood pressure, the greater their stroke risk — and the more medications they needed to manage it.
People who had hypertension for up to five years were 31% more likely to suffer a stroke compared to those with normal blood pressure.
For those who had it for six to 20 years, the risk rose to 50%, and for people living with hypertension for more than two decades, the risk jumped to 67%. These results held true even when accounting for whether participants were taking blood pressure medications.
The researchers also noticed that long-term hypertension often became harder to treat. People who had high blood pressure for over 20 years were taking, on average, more than two different kinds of medications, compared to fewer than two for those who had hypertension for a shorter time.
Dr. George Howard, who led the study, said these results emphasize the importance of prevention. “Treating high blood pressure is critical,” he explained, “but preventing it from developing in the first place can save lives.” He added that focusing on early prevention could reduce the number of people who develop stroke-related disabilities later in life.
Experts not involved in the study agree. Dr. Shawna Nesbitt, a hypertension specialist, said that strokes often lead to lifelong disabilities that can affect every part of a person’s life. “Preventing high blood pressure doesn’t just protect your health—it also reduces the emotional and financial burden that comes with stroke recovery,” she said.
The American Heart Association recommends several steps to keep blood pressure under control. These include eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; maintaining a healthy weight; exercising regularly; limiting alcohol intake; avoiding smoking; managing stress; and taking prescribed medications when necessary.
This study serves as a reminder that it’s never too early to start caring for your heart health. Even small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Keeping blood pressure in a healthy range doesn’t just help you avoid medications—it helps protect your brain, heart, and blood vessels from long-term damage.
By paying attention to blood pressure early and maintaining healthy habits, people can reduce their chances of having a stroke and enjoy a better quality of life as they age.
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