HypertensionCohort study
Blood Pressure in Adolescence and Atherosclerosis in Middle Age
- Population-based cohort study
Authors' conclusion
In this population-based cohort study, higher BP levels in adolescence were associated with a dose-dependent higher risk for atherosclerosis in middle age, particularly for severe coronary atherosclerosis.
Study context
- Population
- Swedish men with blood pressure (BP) measured at military conscription in adolescence (1972–1987), coronary CT angiography in middle age (2013–2018)
- Participants
- 10,222 men
- Exposure
- Adolescent BP categories vs normal BP
- Outcome
- Coronary atherosclerosis, evaluated via coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) stenosis
- Follow-up
- Median 39.5 years
Main finding
Severe coronary stenosis (≥50%)
Odds ratio
1.84
95% CI 1.40–2.42
By group
Stage 2 hypertension vs Normal BP
OR 1.84 (95% CI 1.40–2.42)
As reported in the abstract
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Coronary stenosis at follow-up (whole cohort) · median follow-up 39.5 years
- 1% to 49% coronary stenosis
- 4159 (45.7%)
- ≥50% coronary stenosis
- 784 (8.6%)
Original publication
Blood Pressure in Adolescence and Atherosclerosis in Middle Age. JAMA Cardiol. Published 1 January 2026. doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2025.4271
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it