Blood Pressure in Adolescence and Atherosclerosis in Middle Age

What is the association between blood pressure (BP) in adolescence and computed tomography–detected atherosclerosis in middle age?In this population-based cohort study of 10 222 men enrolled in the Swedish Military Conscription Register followed up for a median (IQR) duration of 39.5 (35.2-42.8) years, higher BP levels in adolescence were associated with greater risk of coronary atherosclerosis in middle age. Elevated risk was observed at BP of 120/80 mm Hg or higher.These findings suggest that BP in adolescence plays a significant role in the development of coronary atherosclerosis in middle age, highlighting the importance of early-life focus on BP prevention strategies.

Corresponding Author: Pontus Henriksson, PhD, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping SE-58183, Sweden (pontus.henriksson@liu.se).

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