Chronic Widespread Pain Associated With 75% Higher Hypertension Risk: Study - Video

Chronic pain is not just discomfort-it could also raise your risk of developing high blood pressure, a major contributor to heart disease and stroke. A recent large-scale study, published in Hypertension, analyzing health data from over 200,000 adults across the UK Biobank, found that the extent, duration, and location of pain significantly influence this risk.

Researchers categorized pain into short-term, chronic localized (one or more sites), and chronic widespread. They tracked participants' health over an average of 13.5 years, collecting information on pain experiences, depression symptoms, inflammation markers like C-reactive protein, and blood pressure outcomes.

The findings were striking: individuals with chronic widespread pain had a 75% higher chance of developing high blood pressure compared to those without pain. Those with chronic pain in specific areas-like the abdomen, neck, or back-also showed increased risks, ranging from 16% to 43%. Short-term pain carried a modest 10% increased risk.

Analysis reveals that nearly 12% of the pain-hypertension link can be explained by depression and systemic inflammation, highlighting these as important mediators. Since chronic pain often leads to depression, which itself raises blood pressure, early detection and treatment of mental health conditions may help mitigate this risk.

Lead researcher Dr. Jill Pell from the University of Glasgow emphasized the need for healthcare providers to recognize that patients with chronic pain are at increased risk of hypertension. Managing pain effectively while monitoring blood pressure and mental health could help prevent cardiovascular complications.

While this observational study focuses mainly on middle-aged White adults and cannot prove causation, it underscores the importance of integrated care approaches. Future randomized trials are needed to explore how pain management interventions impact blood pressure, including considering the effects of common pain medications that may influence hypertension.

These insights deepen understanding of the complex interactions between chronic pain, psychological health, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease risk, offering new frontiers for prevention and treatment.

REFERENCE: Pei Qin, Frederick K. Ho, Carlos A. Celis-Morales, Jill P. Pell. Chronic Pain and Hypertension and Mediation Role of Inflammation and Depression. Hypertension, 2025; DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.25544