Research led by UCL warns that even modest increases in blood pressure considered normal can lead to reduced heart blood flow and heightened cardiac risk decades later, emphasizing the need for early monitoring and intervention.
New research led by University College London (UCL) warns that people born in the 1990s may face heightened long-term heart risks due to blood pressure levels that are considered normal but high, especially when measured in their 30s. The MyoFit46 study, involving over 450 British participants, found that even modest increases in blood pressure in early adulthood are linked with reduced blood flow to the heart muscle by the time individuals reach their late seventies. This research highlights how the heart “remembers” decades-long exposure to elevated blood pressure, which may silently damage heart health over time.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, revealed that blood pressure readings which do not meet the clinical threshold for hypertension can still quietly harm the heart. Specifically, every 10-point rise in systolic blood pressure between ages 36 and 69 was associated with up to a 6% reduction in heart blood flow at age 77, while increases between 43 and 63 correlated with a reduction of up to 12%. Crucially, the research also found that for every 1% reduction in blood flow, there was a corresponding 3% increased risk of suffering a major cardiac event such as a heart attack or stroke decades later.
Dr Gaby Captur, senior author of the study and UCL associate professor, explained: “Small, steady increases in blood pressure through adulthood, even if you have a ‘normal but high’ reading, can be quietly damaging the heart, long before symptoms appear. Your blood pressure in your 30s, we found, can affect the heart 40 years later.” She emphasised that lifelong blood pressure control is essential and should begin early, to protect heart health before blood pressure begins to rise.
The BHF’s Professor Bryan Williams reiterated the importance of early and regular blood pressure monitoring. Calling it a “silent killer,” he noted that high blood pressure is typically symptomless and gradually increases over time, making routine checks vital for timely intervention. He suggested that encouraging younger adults to monitor their blood pressure could improve management and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke later in life.
Current NHS guidelines recommend treatment when systolic blood pressure reaches 140 mm Hg, or 130 mm Hg for people with existing cardiovascular disease. However, the study’s findings suggest that keeping blood pressure under 120 mm Hg may better protect the heart in the long term. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management are advised to help maintain optimal blood pressure levels, reducing the silent damage caused over decades.
The findings align with broader medical consensus from organisations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mayo Clinic, and American Stroke Association, which underline high blood pressure as a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. These organisations stress that hypertension often develops slowly without symptoms and that regular monitoring combined with lifestyle modifications is critical for prevention and management.
This research thus highlights the crucial importance of recognising and addressing blood pressure trends early in adulthood, particularly for those born in the 1990s and younger generations. Acting sooner rather than later may help mitigate the long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, ensuring healthier aging of the heart over a lifetime.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] (Bristol Post) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7
- [2] (Royal Free Hospital and UCL) – Paragraphs 1, 2
- [3] (CDC) – Paragraph 8
- [4] (Mayo Clinic) – Paragraph 8
- [5] (American Stroke Association) – Paragraph 8
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent findings from the MyoFit46 study, published on 8 November 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is 8 November 2025, indicating freshness. The study is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative does not recycle older material.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
Direct quotes from Dr Gaby Captur and Professor Bryan Williams are present. The earliest known usage of these quotes is 8 November 2025, matching the publication date of the study. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating originality.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Bristol Post, a reputable UK news outlet. The study is led by University College London (UCL), a reputable institution, and funded by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), a reputable organisation. The Royal Free Hospital and UCL are also mentioned as involved in the study. All entities are verifiable and have a public presence.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the MyoFit46 study’s findings are plausible and align with existing medical knowledge. The study’s results are covered by reputable outlets such as the Royal Free Hospital and UCL. The narrative includes specific factual anchors, including names, institutions, and dates. The language and tone are consistent with the UK region and the medical topic. There is no excessive or off-topic detail, and the tone is appropriate for a health-related report.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative presents recent, original findings from a reputable study, with verifiable sources and plausible claims. No significant credibility risks were identified.
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