Childhood maltreatment was linked with higher odds of hypertension in adulthood
An observational review found associations with diagnosed hypertension and diastolic blood pressure, but not systolic blood pressure.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Childhood maltreatment was linked with higher odds of hypertension in adulthood in the pooled observational evidence. Diastolic blood pressure was also higher, while systolic blood pressure was not significantly associated with maltreatment. These findings describe a relationship across populations; they do not show that maltreatment caused hypertension or determine an individual’s future blood pressure.
All included studies were observational. The abstract does not detail adjustment for other influences, reference-group definitions or follow-up periods, so it cannot resolve causation or provide an individual risk estimate.
Blood pressure outcomes were distinct
The review assessed hypertension diagnoses alongside systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Its positive findings for hypertension and diastolic pressure should not be extended to systolic pressure, where the pooled association was not statistically significant.
Where associations appeared stronger
Associations were strongest for physical abuse and in studies from upper-middle-income countries compared with high-income countries. These subgroup patterns describe variation in the evidence; they do not establish why the associations differed between settings.
The original publication
Association of childhood maltreatment with hypertension outcomes in adulthood: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Niu L, Liu S, Chen R et al.
Child Abuse Negl · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41380379
- Record checked
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