Research on hypertension, also known as high blood pressure

Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

The prevalence of concurrent diabetes and hyperlipidemia among adults with hypertension in the United States has seen a significant increase, nearly doubling from 12.5% to 21.3% over a span of two decades. This alarming trend highlights the growing burden of cardiometabolic risk factors in this population, with treatment rates for hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia peaking around 2007-2008 and plateauing thereafter at approximately 62.1% in recent years (ref: Lee doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.09.1607/). Additionally, elevated lipoprotein(a) and interleukin-6 have been identified as independent risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), with the highest risk observed in individuals exhibiting elevated levels of both markers (HR: 1.72 in MESA) (ref: Bhatia doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.08.101/). These findings underscore the need for integrated management strategies targeting multiple risk factors to mitigate cardiovascular risks in hypertensive patients. Moreover, the relationship between hypertension and metabolic dysfunction is further complicated by conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease and liver-related complications. First-line treatments for MASLD emphasize lifestyle modifications and management of comorbid conditions, including hypertension (ref: Tilg doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.19615/). Recent studies have also explored the role of clonal hematopoiesis in apparent treatment-resistant hypertension, revealing that this condition is linked to poorer treatment responses and adverse cardiac remodeling, thus highlighting the complexity of hypertension management in the presence of multiple comorbidities (ref: Lv doi.org/10.1038/s43587-025-01017-7/).

Chronic Kidney Disease and Hypertension

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a significant global health issue, with an estimated 788 million adults affected in 2023, a substantial increase from 378 million in 1990. This rise is attributed to various risk factors, including hypertension, which accounts for a notable proportion of cardiovascular deaths (11.75%) (ref: Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01853-7/). Awareness of CKD among the general population is alarmingly low, with only 12.3% of affected individuals recognizing their condition, particularly among those with comorbidities such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, where prevalence rates reach 16.7% (ref: Gong doi.org/10.1001/jamacardio.2025.4581/). Furthermore, the long-term outcomes of various diabetes subtypes have been examined, revealing that individuals with severe autoimmune diabetes and severe insulin-deficient diabetes face higher mortality rates compared to those with mild obesity-related diabetes. This underscores the importance of tailored management strategies for diabetes patients with concurrent CKD and hypertension (ref: Asplund doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(25)00283-9/). The SARAH trial demonstrated that sacubitril-valsartan can effectively reduce cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy, indicating potential benefits for hypertensive patients with elevated cardiac troponin levels (ref: Bonatto doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.125.073322/).

Diabetes and Hypertension

The intersection of diabetes and hypertension presents significant health risks, particularly for individuals with young-onset hypertension (YOH). A recent study found that YOH is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease compared to late-onset hypertension, with pronounced differences observed in women (ref: Chow doi.org/10.2337/dc25-1839/). This highlights the critical need for early intervention and management strategies tailored to younger populations at risk of developing severe comorbidities. In addition, the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is crucial for individuals with diabetes and hypertension, as it is linked to increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular complications. The recommended first-line treatments include lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions aimed at managing hypertension and diabetes (ref: Tilg doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.19615/). The SARAH trial further emphasizes the importance of addressing cardiotoxicity in hypertensive patients undergoing chemotherapy, suggesting that sacubitril-valsartan may play a role in protecting cardiac function in this vulnerable population (ref: Bonatto doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.125.073322/).

Lifestyle Interventions and Hypertension Management

Lifestyle interventions play a pivotal role in managing hypertension, as demonstrated by the GoFresh randomized clinical trial, which assessed the impact of DASH-patterned groceries on blood pressure. The trial reported a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure by 5.7 mm Hg in the DASH group compared to a 2.3 mm Hg reduction in the self-directed group, indicating the effectiveness of dietary modifications in hypertension management (ref: Juraschek doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.21112/). However, it is noteworthy that these effects were not sustained six months post-intervention, highlighting the challenges of maintaining lifestyle changes over time. Moreover, the presence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) complicates hypertension management, as it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Effective management strategies for MASLD include lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatments that target hypertension and diabetes (ref: Tilg doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.19615/). The SARAH trial also underscores the importance of pharmacological interventions, showing that sacubitril-valsartan can significantly reduce cardiotoxicity in patients with elevated cardiac troponin levels during chemotherapy, suggesting a potential dual benefit for hypertensive patients (ref: Bonatto doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.125.073322/).

Neurovascular Effects of Hypertension

Hypertension is increasingly recognized as a leading cause of neurovascular and cognitive dysfunction. A study utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing in a mouse model of hypertension revealed significant transcriptomic changes associated with neurovascular impairment and cognitive deficits, emphasizing the need for early intervention in hypertensive patients to prevent cognitive decline (ref: Schaeffer doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2025.10.018/). The findings suggest that hypertension-induced cerebrovascular insufficiency and blood-brain barrier disruption may underlie these cognitive impairments. Additionally, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) has been linked to apparent treatment-resistant hypertension, indicating that this condition may exacerbate neurovascular complications. The enrichment of CHIP in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension suggests a potential mechanism for adverse cardiac remodeling and cognitive decline, warranting further investigation into the interplay between hematopoiesis and hypertension (ref: Lv doi.org/10.1038/s43587-025-01017-7/).

Pharmacological Treatments for Hypertension

Pharmacological interventions remain a cornerstone in the management of hypertension, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions. The SARAH trial demonstrated the efficacy of sacubitril-valsartan in reducing cardiotoxicity during anthracycline chemotherapy, with a significant reduction in the incidence of left ventricular dysfunction observed in the treatment group (7% vs. 25% in placebo) (ref: Bonatto doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.125.073322/). This highlights the potential of targeted therapies to address both hypertension and associated cardiac risks in vulnerable populations. Moreover, the management of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is critical in hypertensive patients, as it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. First-line treatments for MASLD include lifestyle modifications and pharmacological agents that target hypertension and diabetes, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to managing these interconnected conditions (ref: Tilg doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.19615/). The role of ketohexokinase in mediating alcohol intake and liver disease progression also suggests potential pharmacological targets for managing alcohol-related hypertension (ref: Andres-Hernando doi.org/10.1038/s42255-025-01402-x/).

Epidemiology and Burden of Hypertension

The epidemiology of hypertension reveals a concerning trend in the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among affected individuals. A recent study indicated that the prevalence of concurrent diabetes and hyperlipidemia among U.S. adults with hypertension has nearly doubled, highlighting the increasing burden of these conditions (ref: Lee doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.09.1607/). This trend underscores the importance of comprehensive screening and management strategies to address the multifaceted nature of hypertension and its associated comorbidities. Additionally, the impact of hypertension extends beyond cardiovascular health, as evidenced by its association with neurovascular and cognitive dysfunction. The identification of anti-GPCR autoantibodies in patients with long COVID-19 suggests a potential link between hypertension and autonomic dysfunction, further complicating the clinical landscape (ref: Schmitz doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2025.10.034/). These findings emphasize the need for ongoing research to understand the full scope of hypertension's impact on public health and to develop targeted interventions.

Comorbidities Associated with Hypertension

Hypertension is frequently associated with various comorbidities that significantly impact patient outcomes. A study comparing young-onset hypertension (YOH) with late-onset hypertension (LOH) in individuals with type 2 diabetes revealed that YOH is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, particularly among women (ref: Chow doi.org/10.2337/dc25-1839/). This highlights the importance of early detection and management of hypertension in younger populations to mitigate long-term health risks. Furthermore, the presence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) complicates the management of hypertension, as it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular complications. Effective management strategies for MASLD include lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatments that target hypertension and diabetes (ref: Tilg doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.19615/). The SARAH trial also underscores the importance of pharmacological interventions, showing that sacubitril-valsartan can significantly reduce cardiotoxicity in patients with elevated cardiac troponin levels during chemotherapy, suggesting a potential dual benefit for hypertensive patients (ref: Bonatto doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.125.073322/).

Key Highlights

  • The prevalence of concurrent diabetes and hyperlipidemia among adults with hypertension has nearly doubled, affecting over 21% of this population (ref: Lee doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.09.1607/)
  • Young-onset hypertension is associated with higher risks of cardiovascular and kidney diseases compared to late-onset hypertension, particularly in women (ref: Chow doi.org/10.2337/dc25-1839/)
  • Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 788 million adults globally, with only 12.3% awareness among those affected (ref: Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01853-7/)
  • The SARAH trial demonstrated that sacubitril-valsartan significantly reduces cardiotoxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy, indicating its potential benefits for hypertensive patients (ref: Bonatto doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.125.073322/)
  • Lifestyle interventions, such as DASH-patterned diets, can lead to significant reductions in blood pressure, although effects may not be sustained long-term (ref: Juraschek doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.21112/)
  • Clonal hematopoiesis is enriched in patients with apparent treatment-resistant hypertension, suggesting a link to poorer treatment responses (ref: Lv doi.org/10.1038/s43587-025-01017-7/)
  • The presence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (ref: Tilg doi.org/10.1001/jama.2025.19615/)
  • Hypertension is linked to neurovascular and cognitive dysfunction, with significant transcriptomic changes observed in affected brain regions (ref: Schaeffer doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2025.10.018/)

Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summarization. Please refer to the cited articles before making any clinical or scientific decisions.