Confirmed Connection Between Smoking and Elevated Blood Pressure
A recent study confirms the strong link between tobacco smoking and increased risk of high blood pressure, highlighting the importance of accurate smoking assessment methods.
Recent research from the University of Manitoba has established a clear link between tobacco smoking and an increased risk of developing hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. The study highlights the importance of accurately assessing smoking behaviors, noting that urine testing for cotinine—a biomarker for tobacco exposure—can provide a more objective measure compared to self-reports, which may underestimate actual smoking prevalence. Led by Dr. Setor Kunutsor, a prominent cardiovascular epidemiologist, the study examined data from approximately 3,300 adults in the Netherlands with no prior history of high blood pressure.
Participants' smoking status was evaluated through self-reporting and urine cotinine testing, categorizing them into groups such as never smokers, former smokers, light current smokers, and heavy current smokers. Over an average follow-up period of seven years, more than 800 individuals developed hypertension. The analysis revealed that both light and heavy current smokers faced significantly higher risks of hypertension, regardless of whether their smoking was self-reported or confirmed through urine testing.
The findings suggest that reliance solely on patient self-reports might lead to underestimating the true association between smoking and hypertension, as some individuals tend to under-report their smoking habits. Incorporating routine urine testing for cotinine can provide healthcare professionals with a more accurate assessment of a patient's smoking status, helping to identify those at greater risk.
Furthermore, the study underscores the potential of emerging technologies like wearable biosensors for continuous monitoring of tobacco exposure. Such advancements could enhance research accuracy and improve cardiovascular risk management. Ultimately, the research emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive smoking assessments in clinical practice to better prevent and control hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-10-link-high-blood-pressure.html
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