For every 20 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure, cardiovascular mortality increases by approximately 100%, with no safe threshold observed down to 115 mm Hg.

Study: Systolic blood pressure targets below 120 mm Hg are associated with reduced mortality: A meta‐analysis

This study found that keeping blood pressure below 120 instead of below 140 saved lives and prevented heart problems, even though 120 is already considered normal. This supports the idea that even small increases in blood pressure within the normal range can raise the risk of dying from heart disease.

Study: Intensive vs standard blood pressure control in adults with type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and GRADE-based meta-analysis

This study shows that lowering blood pressure below 130 mm Hg helps prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with diabetes, which means even blood pressure levels just above 115 mm Hg can be risky. So yes, higher blood pressure—even not very high—makes heart disease more likely.

Study: Assessing Sex Differences in the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality per Increment in Systolic Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Follow-Up Studies in the United States

The study found that for every 10-point rise in systolic blood pressure, the risk of dying from heart problems goes up by about 16–17%. So a 20-point rise doubles that risk — but not as much as the claim says. Still, it confirms that even at normal blood pressure levels like 115, higher pressure means higher risk.