Ignore BP at 30, pay at 50: Study warns | India News
New Delhi: Even a slight dip in blood pressure in your 30s can increase your risk of heart disease decades later, warns a startling new study.Researchers tracked nearly 6,000 adults over 20 years and found that every 10 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure was associated with a 20-22% greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Even levels considered “normal” were associated with increased risk.Published in American Journal of HypertensionFindings suggest that mild hypertension is not as harmful as is often assumed. The risk was similar in men and women, a pattern experts say is often overlooked in younger adults.Doctors say the findings reinforce that blood pressure is not a specific cut-off but rather a continuous risk factor. “The idea that risk starts only at 140/90 is that old-vascular damage starts much earlier,” says Dr. Mohit Gupta, a cardiologist at the Govinda Vallabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research. At the same time, he cautions against over-interpretation. “A 20% relative increase over the decade may still translate into a lower absolute risk for a healthy 30-year-old. These findings should not cause panic or lead to overtreatment,” he said.Dr. Sudhir Kumar, neurologist and preventive health advocate, says even a slight increase in blood pressure in young adults is not benign. “This risk starts earlier than we thought and is similar in men and women, suggesting that high blood pressure may offset the protective effect of estrogen. Control should start early, not in middle age – through exercise, healthy diet, good sleep and regular monitoring,” he said.The study also points to the role of diastolic blood pressure in young adults, which often rises before systolic levels. However, experts emphasize that this does not guarantee primary medication. “There is limited evidence to support aggressive drug treatment in young adults with only elevated diastolic BP,” Gupta added.He emphasized that the takeaway is primary prevention. “The message is not to treat with drugs first, but to intervene earlier with lifestyle.”With high blood pressure rising among young Indians—driven by sedentary lifestyle, high salt intake, stress and lack of sleep—experts say timely action can make a significant difference.Doctors say high blood pressure in your 30s is harmless — it can be an early warning sign of future heart disease risk.
