Slightly High BP Doubles Risk of Stroke, Heart Failure – Japanese Study
People with slightly high blood pressure (BP) are at twice the risk of developing cerebral and cardiovascular diseases, including strokes and heart failures, as those with normal BP, according to a new study by Yokohama City University. The research team emphasized the need to address disease risks even at early stages of high blood pressure.
Associate Professor Keisuke Kuwahara, a member of the research team, highlighted the importance of early intervention. The study surveyed 81,876 individuals aged 20 to 64 who underwent regular health checkups and were not on hypertension treatment during fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Follow-ups over nine years tracked the relationship between blood pressure and disease development.
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Of the participants, 334 developed cerebral or cardiac vascular diseases. Among them, 55 had high normal BP (systolic 120-129 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg), facing nearly double the risk compared to those with normal blood pressure (systolic below 120 mmHg and diastolic below 80 mmHg). The risk increased to 2.10 times in the elevated blood pressure group (systolic 130-139 mmHg and diastolic 80-89 mmHg) and escalated further in the hypertension groups, with risks ranging from 3.48 to 7.81 times higher.
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Japan has an estimated 43 million hypertension patients, according to the Japanese Society of Hypertension, with untreated hypertension leading to severe health issues like strokes, heart, and kidney diseases.
Source: www.japantimes.co.jp
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