Are adults with chronic pain more likely to develop hypertension than adults without chronic pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Pooled result · HTN, CP vs controlsResult — go to the resultPooled odds ratio 1.66 95% CI 1.28–2.15Authors' conclusion
In line with a growing body of evidence in this field, this systematic review and meta-analysis confirms an association between chest pain and hypertension.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with vs without chronic pain; studies of association between chronic pain and hypertension (6 databases, inception to January 8, 2025)20 studies in meta-analysis
- Participants
- 1,594,264 adults
- Comparison
- Chronic pain vs no chronic pain
- Outcome
- Diagnosis of hypertension (HTN)
Methodological detailsrandom effects model, ROBINS-E risk of bias assessment, two independent reviewers, 7973 records screened; 23 eligible studies, 20 with data for meta-analysis
- Random effects model
- ROBINS-E risk of bias assessment
- Two independent reviewers
- 7973 records screened; 23 eligible studies, 20 with data for meta-analysis
Pooled result
HTN, CP vs controls
Pooled odds ratio
1.66
95% CI 1.28–2.15
CP vs Controls
pooled OR 1.66 (95% CI 1.28–2.15)
As reported in the abstract
Further pooled results
| Outcome | Pooled OR (95% CI) | |
|---|---|---|
| HTN in chronic, widespread pain (subgroup)Chronic, widespread pain vs Controls · n = 374 234; I2=65.1%, Cochran Q=14.34, p=0.014 | 1.38 (1.20–1.58) | |
| HTN in chronic headache (subgroup)Chronic headache vs Controls · n=477 681; I2=0%, Cochran Q=0.17, p=0.92 | 1.56 (1.37–1.79) | |
| 0.512Pooled odds ratio (log scale) |
Hypertension (HTN) in musculoskeletal pain, lower back pain, or by gender (subgroup)
- No association between HTN and musculoskeletal pain, lower back pain, or gender
Original publication
Are adults with chronic pain more likely to develop hypertension than adults without chronic pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Anaesth. Published 9 July 2025. doi:10.
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