Chronic Pain Linked to Higher Hypertension Risk, New Study Reveals
Glasgow, Scotland – November 20, 2023 – Individuals experiencing chronic pain, particularly widespread pain throughout the body, face a substantially increased risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), according to research published November 17th in the American Heart Association’s journal hypertension. The study underscores the complex interplay between physical discomfort, mental health, and cardiovascular health, offering potential new avenues for preventative care.
Hypertension, a condition affecting nearly half of the adult population in the United States and a leading cause of death globally, occurs when blood pressure consistently measures to high against vessel walls, elevating the risk of heart attack and stroke. This new research suggests that pain management and addressing underlying psychological factors could play a crucial role in mitigating hypertension risk.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow followed participants for an average of 13.5 years, finding that nearly 10% developed hypertension. Those with chronic pain affecting the entire body demonstrated the highest risk, followed by individuals with short-term pain and those experiencing chronic pain localized to a single area.
“The more extensive the pain, the higher their risk of developing high blood pressure,” explained lead author Jill Pell, MD, CBE, Henry Mechan Professor of public Health at the University of Glasgow. The study also revealed that depression partially explains this connection. “Early detection and treatment of depression in people experiencing pain may reduce their risk of developing hypertension,” Pell added.
The study involved participants completing questionnaires detailing pain experienced in the past month, noting locations like the head, face, neck/shoulder, back, stomach, hips, knees, or the whole body. Participants also indicated if pain lasted longer than three months. Depression was assessed through questions about mood, interests, and energy levels, while inflammation was measured via a C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test.
The findings suggest that both depression and inflammation contribute to the link between chronic pain and hypertension.daniel W. Jones, MD, FAHA, chairman of the 2025 american Heart Association/American College of Cardiology hypertension guidelines, emphasized the study’s contribution to understanding the impact of chronic pain on blood pressure. He called for further research into effective pain management strategies and their potential to lower hypertension rates.
Researchers acknowledge the study’s limitations, noting that the majority of participants were middle-aged to elderly and of white ethnic backgrounds, perhaps limiting the generalizability of the results. Additionally, pain data relied on self-reporting and blood pressure was measured on two occasions.
Despite these limitations, the study provides compelling evidence for a notable connection between chronic pain and hypertension, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to cardiovascular health that considers both physical and mental wellbeing.
