December 12, 2024
Nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension, or high blood pressure, which is the leading risk factor for stroke. While the link between hypertension and stroke risk is well studied, little is known about how long someone’s having hypertension affects these risks.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham evaluated the association of hypertension duration on the management of hypertension and stroke risk. Results, published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, found an increased risk of stroke and a need for more classes of antihypertension medications the longer one has high blood pressure.
The study was part of the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study, a national cohort study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
“Treating high blood pressure is a major focus in preventing strokes. However, our study suggests we should place more emphasis on preventing high blood pressure from developing as long as possible,” said George Howard, DrPH, Distinguished Professor of Biostatistics in the UAB School of Public Health and lead author. “Data showed delaying the onset of hypertension can significantly lower one’s stroke risk and help mitigate the need for numerous medications.”