Managing Multiple Risk Factors Can Reduce Hypertension-Related Mortality

Hypertension affects over one-third of adults worldwide and remains a leading cause of early death due to cardiovascular and chronic diseases. While medications to lower blood pressure are widely accessible, many individuals still face significant health risks because of poor control over other related risk factors such as obesity, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles.

Recent research highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach in managing these multiple risk factors together. Traditionally, efforts have focused solely on blood pressure control, but new evidence suggests that addressing a broader spectrum of health behaviors and conditions can significantly improve survival outcomes for hypertensive patients.

A study published in March 2025 in a0Precision Clinical Medicinea0by researchers from Tulane University, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and Central South University analyzed data from nearly 71,000 individuals with hypertension in the UK Biobank. The research team investigated eight modifiable risk factors: blood pressure, body mass index, waist circumference, LDL cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, albuminuria, smoking status, and physical activity.

Participants were grouped according to how many of these factors they managed to control. The study found that those with control over more risk factors had notably lower risk of premature death. Specifically, controlling all eight factors reduced overall mortality by 40%, cancer-related deaths by 39%, cardiovascular deaths by 53%, and other causes by 29%. Interestingly, hypertensive individuals who managed at least four risk factors had similar early mortality risk as people without hypertension.

These findings underscore the significance of a holistic health management strategy. Instead of focusing solely on blood pressure, addressing weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney health, smoking, and physical activity synergistically can lead to substantial health benefits. However, only a small fraction of participants (around 7%) managed to control seven or more risk factors, indicating room for improvement in current hypertension care.

According to Prof. Lu Qi, the study's lead author, effective management of multiple health risks can neutralize the elevated mortality risks associated with hypertension. This evidence supports a paradigm shift towards integrated care that encompasses various health aspects, especially for aging populations and those with comorbidities. Healthcare providers and public health policies should promote multi-factorial prevention strategies, including weight management, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol control, smoking cessation, and increased physical activity.

Efforts should also be directed towards patient education and resource provision to help individuals achieve and maintain risk factor targets. Future research is needed to develop practical implementation strategies across diverse healthcare systems and populations.

Ultimately, these insights emphasize that holistic health management can substantially mitigate the risks associated with hypertension and improve long-term survival.