New research indicates a important link between chronic pain and the development of hypertension, perhaps impacting millions.A large-scale study, analyzing data from over 200,000 UK adults, found those experiencing widespread, persistent pain were 75% more likely to develop high blood pressure. The findings, published in hypertension, suggest inflammation and depression may play a key mediating role in this connection, prompting calls for more complete pain management strategies and further clinical examination into the cardiovascular risks associated with chronic pain.
People living with chronic, widespread pain are significantly more likely to develop high blood pressure than those experiencing no pain, or pain limited to specific areas, according to a new study. The research highlights the interconnectedness of chronic pain and cardiovascular health, and underscores the importance of comprehensive care for individuals managing long-term pain conditions.
The analysis, based on data from over 200,000 adults in the United Kingdom, revealed a strong association between generalized chronic pain and the development of hypertension. Researchers found that the risk of high blood pressure increased by 75% in individuals with widespread chronic pain, compared to those without pain.
“The more widespread the pain, the greater the risk of hypertension,” explained Jill Pell, lead author and Professor of Public Health at the University of Glasgow. The study suggests that this link is partially explained by the increased likelihood of depression in people with chronic pain, which itself is a known risk factor for hypertension. Detecting and treating depression in individuals experiencing chronic pain could potentially reduce this risk.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high, increasing the risk of serious health problems like heart attack and stroke. According to joint guidelines from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, it affects nearly half of all adults in the United States and is a leading cause of death worldwide.
The study delved into the relationship between the type, location, and extent of pain and the development of hypertension. While inflammation and depression are established risk factors, this research aimed to understand how they contribute to the connection between pain and blood pressure.
Pain Assessments Through Questionnaires
Participants completed questionnaires detailing their pain experiences, noting areas affected – including the head, face, neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, hips, knees, or whether the pain was generalized – and whether it had persisted for more than three months. Depression was assessed through questions about mood, interest, and energy levels, and inflammation was measured using analysis of C-reactive protein levels.
After an average follow-up period of 13.5 years, nearly 10% of the participants had developed hypertension.
In comparison to those without pain, the risk of developing hypertension increased by 20% in individuals with localized chronic pain and by 10% in those with temporary pain. Specific pain locations also showed varying levels of association: chronic abdominal pain was linked to a 43% increased risk, chronic headaches to a 22% increase, and pain in the neck and shoulders to a 19% increase. Hip and back pain were associated with a 17% and 16% increased risk, respectively.
Depression, present in 11.3% of participants, and inflammation, found in 0.4%, accounted for 11.7% of the relationship between pain and hypertension.
“When caring for individuals with pain, healthcare professionals should be aware of their increased risk of hypertension, either directly or indirectly through depression,” Pell noted.
When caring for individuals with pain, healthcare professionals should be aware of their increased risk of hypertension, either directly or indirectly through depression.
Jill Pell, lead author (University of Glasgow)
Daniel W. Jones, chair of the 2025 hypertension guidelines, added: “We knew pain elevates blood pressure in the short term, but this study demonstrates how chronic pain influences long-term health and how inflammation and depression mediate that relationship.”
Further Clinical Trials Needed
Jones suggests conducting clinical trials to evaluate strategies for managing pain and their impact on blood pressure, particularly considering the potential effects of anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, which can also raise blood pressure.
The research utilized data from the Biobank of the United Kingdom, which enrolled over 500,000 people aged 40 to 69 between 2006 and 2010. The analysis included 206,963 adults with an average age of 54 years; 61.7% were women and 96.7% were white.
Individuals with chronic pain were more likely to be women and reported less healthy habits, a higher body mass index, pre-existing chronic conditions, and unfavorable socioeconomic circumstances.
The researchers adjusted the results to account for factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep patterns, and diet.
The authors caution that the study was conducted on a population of middle-aged and older adults, primarily of white British descent, and therefore the findings may not be generalizable to other populations. Additionally, pain was self-reported and measured only once, as was blood pressure.
Reference:
Jill Pell. Chronic Pain and Hypertension and Mediation Role of Inflammation and Depression. Hypertension, 2025.
Source: SINC
