High Blood Pressure Linked to Higher Stroke Risk, Study finds

High blood pressure is known to increase a person's chances of having a stroke. A study led by Michigan Medicine focuses on the cumulative effects of years of high systolic blood pressure, the top number on a blood pressure reading, which indicates how hard the heart pumps blood to the arteries. The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that higher average systolic blood pressure during adulthood is linked to a greater risk for the two most common types of stroke.

Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, affects the body by exerting excessive force on the walls of blood vessels. Over time, this constant pressure can damage arteries, leading to the formation of clots or causing them to rupture. This damage increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, hypertension can cause the narrowing and hardening of arteries, reducing blood flow to critical areas such as the brain and heart.

The study analyzed the average systolic blood pressure years ahead of the first stroke for more than 40,000 adults with no history of stroke. Researchers examined three types of stroke: ischemic, caused by a clot that cuts off blood supply to the brain and accounts for over 85% of all strokes; intracerebral hemorrhage, a bleed within the brain; and subarachnoid hemorrhage, bleeding between the brain and the tissues that cover it.

Findings revealed that a mean systolic blood pressure 10-mm Hg higher than average was associated with a 20% higher risk of overall stroke and ischemic stroke, and a 31% greater risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. The study underscored the importance of managing systolic blood pressure to prevent strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.

Self-monitoring of blood pressure can improve diagnosis and control, proving to be an accurate and cost-effective method. However, it remains an underused tool despite its potential benefits. Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure are crucial steps in reducing the risk of stroke and maintaining overall cardiovascular health.

Reference: Johnson, K. E., et al. (2024). Cumulative Systolic Blood Pressure and Incident Stroke Type Variation by Race and Ethnicity. JAMA Network Open. doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.8502.