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NEW DELHI: A startling new study warns that even a slight bump in blood pressure during your 30s could raise your risk of heart disease decades later.Researchers tracked nearly 6,000 adults for over 20 years and found that every 10 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure was linked to about a 20–22% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Even levels considered “normal” were associated with rising risk.Published in the American Journal of Hypertension, the findings suggest that mildly elevated blood pressure is not as harmless as 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 fixed cut-off but a continuous risk factor. “The idea that risk starts only at 140/90 is outdated—vascular damage begins much earlier,” said Dr Mohit Gupta, cardiologist at Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research. At the same time, he cautioned against over interpretation. “A 20% relative increase over decades may still translate into a low absolute risk for a healthy 30-year-old. These findings should not create panic or lead to over treatment,” he said. Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist and preventive health advocate, said even modest rises in blood pressure in young adults are not benign. “This risk starts earlier than we thought and is similar in men and women, suggesting high BP may offset the protective effect of oestrogen. Control should begin 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 younger adults, which often rises before systolic levels. However, experts stress this does not warrant early medication. “There is limited evidence to support aggressive drug treatment in young individuals with only raised diastolic BP,” Gupta added.He emphasised that the takeaway is early prevention. “The message is not to treat earlier with medicines, but to intervene earlier with lifestyle.”With hypertension rising among younger Indians—driven by sedentary habits, high salt intake, stress and poor sleep—experts say timely action can make a significant difference.Doctors say blood pressure in your 30s is not harmless—it can be an early warning sign of future heart risk.
