High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a well-known risk factor for heart disease and stroke, but its association with cancer has been a subject of increasing research interest.
Understanding whether hypertension could influence the risk of developing cancer is crucial for millions of individuals worldwide who live with this common condition.
This review explores the potential connection between high blood pressure and cancer, integrating research findings to offer clear insights in plain language.
High blood pressure occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high, which can damage the blood vessels and organs over time.
The question of whether this condition also affects cancer risk arises because both hypertension and cancer share common risk factors, such as aging, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity.
Additionally, some studies suggest that the physiological changes associated with high blood pressure may contribute to a cancer-friendly environment in the body.
Recent research has begun to shed light on this connection. Several large-scale studies have observed a higher incidence of certain types of cancer in individuals with high blood pressure.
For example, a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension found that hypertension is associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer. This link may be due to the role of high blood pressure in damaging the kidneys over time, potentially leading to cancerous changes.
