Healthy Lifestyle Cuts Heart Disease, Diabetes Risk In Hypertension Patients
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – A major international study finds that simple lifestyle changes significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes among people living with high blood pressure.
Researchers from Harvard University and Huazhong University track more than 25,000 adults with hypertension for up to 24 years, revealing substantial health benefits from healthy living habits.
Published in JAMA Network Open, the study shows that participants with the healthiest lifestyles record a 51% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 79% lower risk of type 2 diabetes.
They also live more than eight years longer from age 40 compared with those with poorer habits.
Even patients already on medication benefit from lifestyle improvements.
“Small lifestyle adjustments can make a major difference, even for people already taking blood pressure medication,” the researchers note.
Participants are assessed using a Healthy Lifestyle Index based on diet, physical activity, weight management, alcohol moderation, and non-smoking.
The findings highlight that adopting healthier habits after diagnosis still reduces risks and increases life expectancy, while worsening habits leads to higher risks and shorter lifespan.
Doctors say hypertension, a condition affecting millions globally, damages vital organs and increases the likelihood of stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
Experts recommend regular exercise, reduced salt intake, balanced diets, and stress management as key interventions.
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Koko Maxwella 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius