Eliminate Early Death Risks: How Managing Key Health Factors Can Combat High Blood Pressure

A recent study from Tulane University reveals exciting news for those with high blood pressure. It suggests that managing certain health risk factors can significantly lower, or even remove, their increased risk of early death.

Researchers analyzed data from over 70,000 people with hypertension and more than 224,000 without it, tracking them for nearly 14 years using information from the UK Biobank. They focused on understanding how handling specific risk factors affected the chances of dying before the age of 80.

The eight key health risk factors studied were: blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, LDL cholesterol (the “bad” type), blood sugar, kidney function, smoking habits, and physical activity. The results were telling. Hypertensive individuals who managed at least four of these factors had a similar risk of early death as those without high blood pressure.

Dr. Lu Qi, the lead author, emphasized, “Our study shows that controlling blood pressure is not the only way to treat hypertensive patients.” He pointed out that high blood pressure influences these other factors. By focusing on them, healthcare providers can help prevent premature death.

Hypertension, defined as having a blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, is a leading cause of preventable death around the globe. The study found that for each additional risk factor managed, there was a 13% lower risk of early death overall, along with even greater reductions in death rates from cancer and cardiovascular disease—two leading causes of early mortality.

The concept of "optimal risk control" emerged from the study. This involves managing seven or more of the risk factors and leads to a striking 40% reduction in early death risk. However, only 7% of those with high blood pressure in the study had achieved this level of control, indicating a significant opportunity for improvement.

Prioritizing a holistic approach to healthcare is essential. Rather than only prescribing blood pressure medication, doctors should consider each patient’s full range of health behaviors and conditions.

This study sheds light on the importance of personalized care. By addressing multiple health issues together, people with hypertension can stem their risk of early mortality. This aligns with recent trends emphasizing comprehensive healthcare and preventive measures.

For further reading, you can check the study published in Precision Clinical Medicine here.

Source link

Blood, Blood Pressure, High Blood Pressure, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Medicine, Mortality, UK Biobank