Scientists have proven that high blood pressure affects mental health. The research was published in the journal Nature Communication.
Previously, several studies had already reported an association between mental health and hypertension, with mixed and even contradictory results. In the new study, the scientists used data from more than 500,000 patients from the British Biobank.
The analysis showed that higher blood pressure was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, better health, and decreased emotionality. In general, however, hypertension is associated with poor mental health, even years before hypertension is diagnosed.
Scientists suggest that this may contribute to the development of persistent high blood pressure in people who feel mentally well temporarily with high blood pressure – they have no motivation to see a doctor. This is because the pain threshold also increases with high blood pressure. As a result, people can live with hypertension for years without realizing it.