A recent Norwegian cohort study associates systolic blood pressure at age 40 with long-term stroke risk, highlighting sex-specific differences.

Researchers followed 2608 stroke-free individuals for 30 years using data from the Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 Study and the Norwegian Cardiovascular Disease Registry. Participants were grouped by systolic blood pressure (SBP): <120 mm Hg, 120–129 mm Hg, 130–139 mm Hg, and ≥140 mm Hg. Of the cohort, 115 strokes occurred (4.4%), with men comprising 72% of cases.

Individuals with SBP ≥140 mm Hg at 40 demonstrated increased stroke risk (HR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.62–6.00) compared with those with optimal SBP (<120 mm Hg). Women with SBP ≥140 mm Hg had a fourfold increased stroke risk (HR, 4.32; 95% CI, 1.66–11.26), whereas men experienced a twofold risk increase (HR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.03–6.89).

Stroke incidence was 149 per 100,000 person-years, with a median age at stroke of 60.1 years. The study, published in openheart, underscores the potential long-term cerebrovascular risks of systolic hypertension, particularly in women, and calls for tailored prevention strategies.

Full disclosures can be found in the published study.