High Blood Pressure Deaths Quadruple Among Young Women

Researchers find alarming rise in hypertension-related mortality for women aged 25-44

Mar. 23, 2026 at 7:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new study has found that high blood pressure-related deaths among young women aged 25-44 have increased more than fourfold over the past two decades, with Black women and those living in the Southern U.S. at the highest risk. Researchers say this reflects an underestimation of cardiovascular risk, delayed diagnosis, and missed opportunities for early intervention in this demographic.

Why it matters

The findings highlight a growing public health concern, as high blood pressure can lead to serious complications like heart disease, heart failure, and stroke if left untreated. The disproportionate impact on young women, especially Black women and those in the South, points to systemic disparities in access to preventive care and effective treatment.

The details

The study analyzed death certificate data from 1999 to 2023, finding that nearly 5 out of every 100,000 deaths among 25- to 44-year-old women in 2023 were due to heart disease caused by high blood pressure, compared to about 1 in 100,000 in 1999. Black women had the highest blood pressure-related death rate at nearly 9 per 100,000, compared to just over 2 per 100,000 for white women. Women in the Southern U.S. also had a higher rate at nearly 4 deaths per 100,000 versus about 2 in the Northeast and West.

  • The study analyzed death certificate data from 1999 to 2023.
  • The findings are scheduled to be presented at an American College of Cardiology meeting on March 29, 2026.

The players

Dr. Alexandra Millhuff

A resident physician at the University of New Mexico and the lead researcher on the study.

American Academy of Cardiology (AAC)

The medical organization where the study findings will be presented.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Rising mortality for young women with hypertensive heart disease reflects an underestimation of cardiovascular risk, delayed diagnosis and missed opportunities for early intervention.”

— Dr. Alexandra Millhuff, Lead Researcher

“We need to be screening patients of this demographic for hypertension more aggressively, and that includes mitigating risk factors and possibly using antihypertensive medications. Even though hypertension is more prevalent in older populations, it's something that we need to be vigilant about in younger populations, as well.”

— Dr. Alexandra Millhuff, Lead Researcher

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This study underscores the urgent need to address the growing threat of high blood pressure, especially among young women and marginalized communities. Increased screening, early intervention, and tailored treatment approaches are critical to reversing these alarming mortality trends and promoting cardiovascular health equity.