High Blood Pressure: 8 Ways to Reduce Early Death Risk
- People with high blood pressure may eliminate thier elevated risk of premature death by managing several key health factors, according to a Tulane University study published in Precision...
- The study, which examined data from the UK Biobank, followed over 70,000 individuals with hypertension and 224,000 without it for almost 14 years.
- The findings indicated that hypertensive patients who controlled at least four of these risk factors faced no greater risk of early death than individuals without high blood pressure.
Controlling multiple health factors can eliminate early death risk for people with high blood pressure, according to a new Tulane University study. Teh research,published in Precision Clinical Medicine,tracked over 70,000 individuals with hypertension for nearly 14 years,revealing that managing at least four risk factors equalized mortality rates with non-hypertensive individuals. Addressing each additional risk factor—including blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, and physical activity—was linked to a lower risk of early death. The study emphasizes the need for complete care. At News Directory 3,we stay on top of essential health findings. See what’s ahead now.
Manage Hypertension Risk Factors to Prevent Premature Death
Updated May 25, 2025
People with high blood pressure may eliminate thier elevated risk of premature death by managing several key health factors, according to a Tulane University study published in Precision Clinical Medicine. The research underscores the importance of multifaceted care for hypertension, focusing not only on blood pressure but also on other modifiable risks.
The study, which examined data from the UK Biobank, followed over 70,000 individuals with hypertension and 224,000 without it for almost 14 years. Researchers assessed eight health risk factors: blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, LDL cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function, smoking, and physical activity. Early mortality was defined as death before age 80.
The findings indicated that hypertensive patients who controlled at least four of these risk factors faced no greater risk of early death than individuals without high blood pressure. Addressing each additional risk factor correlated with a 13% decrease in early death risk, a 12% decrease in early cancer death risk, and a 21% decrease in early cardiovascular death risk.
Optimal risk control, defined as managing seven or more risk factors, was associated with a 40% reduction in early death risk, a 39% reduction in early cancer death risk, and a 53% reduction in early cardiovascular death risk, researchers found.
“Our study shows that controlling blood pressure is not the only way to treat hypertensive patients, because high blood pressure can affect these other factors,” saeid Dr. Lu Qi, professor of epidemiology at Tulane University. “By addressing the individual risk factors, we can help prevent early death for those with hypertension.”
With hypertension, defined as blood pressure exceeding 130 mmHg, being a leading preventable cause of premature death globally, the study highlights a significant possibility for prevention. Only 7% of hypertensive participants had seven or more risk factors under control,emphasizing the need for personalized care that extends beyond medication.
What’s next
Future research should focus on implementing comprehensive interventions that target multiple risk factors simultaneously, improving outcomes for individuals with hypertension and reducing the global burden of premature mortality.