Overview
- Researchers tracked more than 450 people with repeated readings from ages 36 to 69 and heart imaging at 77, reporting results in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging.
- Higher or fast‑rising systolic levels from as early as age 36 were associated with reduced blood flow to the heart muscle by age 77, even when readings were below hypertension thresholds.
- Each 10 mmHg systolic increase between ages 36 and 69 was tied to up to a 6% reduction in heart blood flow at 77, with a pronounced 9–12% reduction for similar rises between ages 43 and 63.
- Every 1% drop in heart blood flow was associated with a 3% higher risk of a major cardiac event such as heart attack, stroke or heart failure later in life.
- BHF leaders advise earlier and more frequent checks and consideration of earlier lifestyle or drug intervention, while noting current UK thresholds typically start treatment above 140 mmHg systolic (130 mmHg with existing cardiovascular disease).