Chronic Pain Linked to Considerably Higher Risk of High Blood Pressure
A large-scale British study has revealed a strong connection between chronic pain and the advancement of high blood pressure. Researchers found that individuals suffering from chronic pain for several years are up to 75% more likely to develop hypertension. The study, published in Hypertension, followed over 200,000 participants for 13.5 years.
The risk increases with the extent of the pain, with those experiencing pain in multiple areas of the body facing the highest risk. Specifically, chronic pain affecting several body regions was linked to a 75% increased risk, while localized chronic pain showed a 20% increase. Even short-term pain was associated with a 10% higher incidence of hypertension. Certain types of chronic pain carried specific risks: chronic abdominal pain (43% increased risk), headaches (22%), neck/shoulder pain (19%), hip pain (17%), and back pain (16%).
Researchers believe several factors contribute to this link. depression, often associated with chronic pain, significantly increases hypertension risk. Systemic inflammation caused by chronic pain may also play a role. Furthermore, long-term use of some painkillers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can elevate blood pressure.
“The more diverse chronic pain is and the more areas of the body it affects, the higher the risk of patients also developing high blood pressure,” explained lead author Jill Pell from the University of Glasgow.
Daniel Jones, President of the American heart Association, emphasized the importance of considering blood pressure when treating chronic pain. “Chronic pain must be treated in the context of patients’ blood pressure,particularly considering the use of pain medications that can affect blood pressure,” he stated. The study highlights the need for early detection and treatment of both pain and associated conditions like depression to mitigate the risk of developing high blood pressure.
Source: https://doi.org/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.25544
