A Louisiana coroner has released the cause of death for former NFL kick returner, Baltimore Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones, according to multiple reports.
Jones, 40, died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, according to a Baltimore Banner report citing the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office. The coroner’s office ruled Jones died of natural causes.
Hypertensive cardiovascular disease, heart disease caused by long-term high blood pressure, was listed as the cause of death. Jones was only 40.
Hypertensive heart disease can happen if you have unmanaged high blood pressure for a long time. The added strain on your heart could lead to heart failure or other health problems. This is why it’s important to know if you have high blood pressure and to treat it if you do. Lifestyle changes can make your heart healthier, too.
Hypertensive heart disease is a group of medical problems ― like heart failure and conduction arrhythmias ― that can happen when your high blood pressure (hypertension) is unmanaged.
Chronic high blood pressure (higher than 120/80 mmHg) causes hypertensive heart disease. As people get older and continue to have high blood pressure, their risk of heart disease increases. Heart failure occurs most often in people older than 65.
Chronic high blood pressure puts a strain on your heart and makes it harder for it to pump your blood. Your heart muscle can get thick and weak, possibly leading to heart failure. The walls of your blood vessels can also thicken because of high blood pressure, and this becomes more dangerous when cholesterol collects inside the blood vessels. Then your heart attack and stroke risks go up.
High blood pressure makes men twice as likely and women three times more likely to get heart failure. However, having your high blood pressure well managed can greatly reduce your risk of heart failure.
If You have it, You are Also at Risk of:
People who have hypertensive heart disease with heart failure have a higher risk for:
- Decompensated heart failure.
- Acute coronary syndrome.
- Sudden cardiac death.
Did You Know there are different types of hypertensive heart disease?
High blood pressure makes it more difficult for your heart to push blood through your blood vessels. When plaque collects in your blood vessels or part of your heart muscle gets bigger because of high blood pressure, you can get these problems:
- Coronary artery disease.
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged heart).
There are Many Complications Associated with Hypertensive Heart Disease
Complications of hypertensive heart disease include:
- Heart failure.
- Arrhythmia.
- Stroke.
- Ischemic heart disease.
- Sudden cardiac death.
High blood pressure puts people at risk for:
- Atrial fibrillation.
- Congestive heart failure.
- Coronary artery disease.
- Atherosclerosis.
- Retinal disease.
- Peripheral arterial disease.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Aortic aneurysm.
- Cerebrovascular disease.
How Common is Hypertensive Heart Disease?
One out of every 3 adults in America has high blood pressure, but only half of those with the diagnosis have well-managed blood pressure. Hypertensive cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of illness and death due to high blood pressure.
Jones was On His Way Up
Jones played nine NFL seasons with five teams, becoming a household name in the 2012 postseason with the Ravens when he scored three touchdowns, including a 108-yard touchdown in Super Bowl SLVII.
For the past two years, Jones served as the receivers coach at Alabama State, and in April was hired as the coach of the Beaumont Renegades, an Arena football franchise set to begin play in 2025.
His coaching career included becoming the tight ends coach at Morgan State University, WBAL-TV reported.
He recently accepted a job to become the head coach and offensive coordinator of the Beaumont Renegades, an indoor football expansion franchise set to begin play in 2025.
The Ravens organization said Jones was beloved for his warmth and effervescent personality.
“I loved Jacoby Jones,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light.”
