Higher Blood Pressure in Young Adulthood Linked to Heart, Kidney Disease Risk Later in Life

Study finds maintaining optimal blood pressure crucial for long-term health

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:42am

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A study of nearly 300,000 adults in South Korea found that individuals with higher blood pressure (≥120 mm Hg/80 mm Hg) for up to 10 years during young adulthood (ages 30-40) were more likely to develop heart disease and kidney disease after age 40. Having a systolic blood pressure about 10 mm Hg higher than peers for a decade was linked to a 27% higher risk of heart disease and a 22% higher risk of kidney disease.

Why it matters

The findings reinforce the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure at younger ages, as young adults often have a low predicted 10-year risk of heart disease even with elevated blood pressure. Long-term exposure to higher blood pressure from early life may accumulate damage over time, increasing the risk of heart and kidney disease in midlife.

The details

The study analyzed medical records from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Adults who had elevated or high blood pressure that stayed higher from age 30 to 40 had a higher risk of heart disease, stroke or kidney disease in midlife, after age 40. Compared to those in the lowest 20% of cumulative blood pressure levels, people in the highest 20% were about 3.5 times more likely to develop heart conditions and about 3 times more likely to develop kidney disease.

  • The study included participants who were 30 years old in 2002-2004 and received routine health screenings between age 30 (2002-2004) and 40 (2012-2014).
  • Participants were followed for about 10 years after age 40, during which development of heart or kidney disease was identified.

The players

Hokyou Lee, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA

An associate professor of preventive medicine at Yonsei University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, and the study's lead author.

Daniel W. Jones, M.D., M.A.C.P., FAHA

A past volunteer president of the American Heart Association and dean and professor emeritus of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, who was not involved in this study but provided expert commentary.

American Heart Association

The organization that hosted the EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026 where the study was presented.

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What they’re saying

“Young adults often have a very low predicted 10-year risk of heart disease, even when they have elevated or high blood pressure (a systolic blood pressure measure of 120 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure measure of 80 mm Hg or higher). Our study's findings show that blood pressure levels in early adulthood are important even if short-term risk appears low. Long-term exposure to higher blood pressure from early life may accumulate damage over time, increasing the risk of heart and kidney disease in midlife.”

— Hokyou Lee, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA

“This study from Korea emphasizes the risk from high blood pressure begins at an early age and early in the course. The opportunity in this study to evaluate cumulative blood pressure over several years was important in understanding that risk. The study should encourage the design of randomized clinical trials to document that early treatment of high blood pressure in young adults is effective at reducing risk for cardiovascular and kidney disease.”

— Daniel W. Jones, M.D., M.A.C.P., FAHA

What’s next

The study's findings should encourage the design of randomized clinical trials to document that early treatment of high blood pressure in young adults is effective at reducing the risk for cardiovascular and kidney disease.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of maintaining optimal blood pressure at every age and life stage, as higher blood pressure levels in young adulthood can have long-term consequences for heart and kidney health. Early prevention, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of elevated blood pressure are crucial investments in future health.