NEW YORK, Jan 24: A new study emphasizes that maintaining high levels of physical activity through young and middle adulthood is crucial to preventing hypertension later in life. Researchers tracked more than 5,100 adults across four U.S. cities over three decades, examining exercise habits, blood pressure, smoking, and alcohol intake.

The study, led by epidemiologist Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo and young adult medicine expert Jason Nagata from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), found that physical activity declines sharply between ages 18 and 40, while rates of high blood pressure rise.

“Teenagers and those in their early 20s may be physically active, but these patterns change with age,” Bibbins-Domingo said. “Maintaining physical activity during young adulthood—at higher levels than previously recommended—may be particularly important.”

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, affects billions globally and increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and dementia. According to the World Health Organization, roughly one in four men and one in five women have the condition, though many are unaware they have it.

The study found that nearly half of the participants in young adulthood had suboptimal exercise levels, which was significantly linked to the onset of hypertension. Participants who performed five hours of moderate exercise per week—double the current minimum adult recommendation—experienced a lower risk of high blood pressure, especially if activity continued into their 60s.

“Achieving at least twice the current minimum adult physical activity guidelines may be more beneficial for preventing hypertension than simply meeting the minimum,” Nagata said.

The research also highlighted racial disparities in health outcomes. By age 40, physical activity plateaued among White men and women, whereas Black participants continued to show declining activity levels. By age 45, Black women surpassed White men in hypertension rates. By age 60, 80 to 90 percent of Black adults had high blood pressure, compared with just under 70 percent of White men and around 50 percent of White women.

Researchers noted these disparities may reflect social and economic factors, including neighborhood environments, work, and family responsibilities, although these factors were not directly assessed in the study.

“This study underscores the importance of sustaining physical activity from young adulthood, despite life changes such as college, work, and parenthood, to reduce the risk of midlife hypertension,” Nagata said.