New research suggests that chronic pain may significantly increase a person’s risk of developing high blood pressure, with the likelihood rising sharply when pain affects multiple parts of the body or occurs alongside depression. The findings appear in Hypertension, a journal of the American Heart Association (AHA).
Researchers analyzed health data from more than 200,000 adults in the United States and found that people experiencing chronic, widespread pain had a substantially higher chance of developing hypertension compared to those with no pain, short-term discomfort, or pain restricted to one area.
Lead author Dr. Jill Pell, professor of public health at the University of Glasgow, said widespread pain created the greatest risk. She explained that depression played a meaningful role in this relationship: chronic pain increased the likelihood of depression, and depression, in turn, increased the risk of high blood pressure. According to Pell, early detection and treatment of depression may help reduce hypertension risk among people living with persistent pain.
Understanding Why This Matters
High blood pressure occurs when blood pushes too forcefully against artery walls, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Nearly half of U.S. adults fall within the high blood pressure range—making it one of the world’s leading causes of death.
Musculoskeletal pain, often affecting the back, hips, knees, or shoulders, is the most common form of chronic pain, typically lasting at least three months. The new study examined not only the presence of pain but also its duration and distribution throughout the body.
How Researchers Assessed Pain and Depression
Participants completed detailed questionnaires about pain that interfered with daily activities, identifying specific body regions and whether symptoms persisted beyond three months. The team also screened for depression using standardized mood and activity questions and measured inflammation using C-reactive protein (CRP) blood tests.
What the Study Found After 13.5 Years
Over more than a decade of follow-up, researchers reported several key findings:
- 10% of participants developed high blood pressure.
- Individuals with chronic widespread pain faced a 75% higher risk.
- Short-term pain increased risk by 10%, while chronic pain in a single area raised it by 20%.
- Risk varied by body region:
- Abdominal pain: 43% higher risk
- Chronic headaches: 22% higher risk
- Neck/shoulder pain: 19% higher risk
- Hip pain: 17% higher risk
- Back pain: 16% higher risk
- Depression and inflammation explained 11.7% of the connection between chronic pain and hypertension.
Pell said recognizing chronic pain as a risk factor may help health providers detect and manage hypertension earlier, especially in patients also dealing with depression.
Expert Insights on Pain and Blood Pressure
Dr. Daniel W. Jones, chair of the 2025 AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guideline, emphasized that while acute pain can temporarily elevate blood pressure, this study clarifies how long-term pain affects hypertension over time.
He noted that certain medications—including NSAIDs like ibuprofen—may raise blood pressure, highlighting the importance of integrated care.
Study Limitations
The participants were predominantly older white adults of British descent, which may limit the applicability of results to other populations. All pain data was self-reported, and the study relied on diagnostic codes and limited blood pressure measurements.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research used data from the UK Biobank, which includes more than 500,000 adults across England, Scotland, and Wales. The final analysis focused on 206,963 participants who completed questionnaires, interviews, physical exams, and blood tests. Researchers tracked lifestyle habits, demographic details, and health conditions and adjusted for factors such as BMI, smoking, alcohol intake, sleep, and physical activity.
Why This Matters for Your Health
The study underscores a critical message: chronic pain isn’t just a quality-of-life issue—it may be a cardiovascular risk factor. Recognizing and managing chronic pain, depression, and inflammation could play a major role in preventing long-term hypertension.
Source: American Heart Association. “Chronic pain may dramatically raise your blood pressure.” ScienceDaily, 17 November 2025.
