Chronic Pain May Significantly Increase Blood Pressure, Study Warns
Chronic pain affects millions of people, and new research shows it may also raise blood pressure. The study suggests that long-lasting pain can quietly push people toward hypertension. As a result, experts now view effective pain care as even more important.
How Pain and Blood Pressure Connect
Researchers examined more than 200,000 adults in the U.S. They found that people with widespread chronic pain faced the highest risk of developing high blood pressure. In addition, depression and inflammation played a key role in this link.People with widespread pain were more likely to feel depressed. Depression then increased their chances of hypertension. Therefore, early care for pain and mental health may help lower long-term risks.
Why This Matters
High blood pressure develops when blood pushes too strongly against vessel walls. It increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Nearly half of U.S. adults live with some level of hypertension, which makes prevention essential.Chronic pain in the hips, knees, back, or shoulders is the most common type of long-term pain. The study showed that pain in several areas raised the risk more than pain in one spot. For example, abdominal pain and headaches also contributed to higher risk levels.
What the Researchers Found
After an average follow-up of more than 13 years, nearly 10% of participants developed high blood pressure. People with widespread chronic pain faced a 75% higher risk. Short-term pain raised the risk slightly, while single-location chronic pain increased risk by around 20%.Depression and inflammation explained part of the connection. However, they did not account for all of it, meaning other biological factors may be involved.
The Bigger Picture
Experts say this study highlights the need for complete pain management. They also recommend monitoring how pain medicines, such as NSAIDs, impact blood pressure. Understanding these links may help people manage both pain and heart health more safely.
