You are using an older browser version. Please use a supported version for the best MSN experience.

Irene Cara Died of Hypertension—Here Are the Signs

By Ferozan Mast of ETNT Health |

Slide 1 of 6: Singer Irene Cara passed away in Largo, Florida on November 25, 2022, at just 63 years old—and now her official cause of death has been released. According to a report from the Pinellas County medical examiner, Cara's cause of death was arteriosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, or a hardening of the arteries resulting from high blood pressure. Diabetes was also noted as a contributing factor. Cara's death was confirmed at the time via a statement from her publicist Judith A Moose. "It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara," the statement read. "Irene's family has requested privacy as they process their grief. She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films. Funeral services are pending and a memorial for her fans will be planned at a future date."According to the CDC, 47% of US adults in the United States have hypertension, which is blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg, or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg. "According to the Framingham Study, hypertension accounts for about one quarter of heart failure cases," says Kamran Riaz, MD. "In the elderly population, as many as 68% of heart failure cases are attributed to hypertension."Hypertension is linked to several concerning health conditions, but doctors say early detection is key to effective treatment. "When doctors deliver the diagnosis of hypertension, they package it with serious complications," says Naomi D. L. Fisher, MD. "These include heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke. Doctors discuss risks to motivate their patients, but sometimes end up creating fear instead. And fear can lead to denial. Is hypertension serious? Yes, if left untreated. But when blood pressure is controlled, the risks are greatly reduced. The important message is that treating hypertension can prevent severe complications and add dramatically to life expectancy." Here are symptoms of hypertension, according to experts.

Irene Cara Died of Hypertension—Here Are the Signs

Singer Irene Cara passed away in Largo, Florida on November 25, 2022, at just 63 years old—and now her official cause of death has been released. According to a report from the Pinellas County medical examiner, Cara's cause of death was arteriosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, or a hardening of the arteries resulting from high blood pressure. Diabetes was also noted as a contributing factor. Cara's death was confirmed at the time via a statement from her publicist Judith A Moose. "It is with profound sadness that on behalf of her family I announce the passing of Irene Cara," the statement read. "Irene's family has requested privacy as they process their grief. She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films. Funeral services are pending and a memorial for her fans will be planned at a future date."

According to the CDC, 47% of US adults in the United States have hypertension, which is blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg, or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg. "According to the Framingham Study, hypertension accounts for about one quarter of heart failure cases," says Kamran Riaz, MD. "In the elderly population, as many as 68% of heart failure cases are attributed to hypertension."

Hypertension is linked to several concerning health conditions, but doctors say early detection is key to effective treatment. "When doctors deliver the diagnosis of hypertension, they package it with serious complications," says Naomi D. L. Fisher, MD. "These include heart attack, kidney failure, and stroke. Doctors discuss risks to motivate their patients, but sometimes end up creating fear instead. And fear can lead to denial. Is hypertension serious? Yes, if left untreated. But when blood pressure is controlled, the risks are greatly reduced. The important message is that treating hypertension can prevent severe complications and add dramatically to life expectancy." Here are symptoms of hypertension, according to experts.

AdChoices