Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Germany found that high blood pressure is associated with the development of depression and brain activity responsible for emotions. The researchers published their findings. magazine Nature Communication.
The authors used data on the condition of 48,000 people collected by British Biobank over a 10-year period. During this time, the volunteers underwent two mental and physical health assessments (every five years).
Analysis of the data showed that increased blood pressure was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, better well-being, and less brain activity associated with emotions. It is also associated with the threat of hypertension (hypertension syndrome), worsening mental health, and the appearance of depressive symptoms that may be noticeable even several years before diagnosis.
According to the researchers, the results of their work will allow the development of new approaches for the treatment and diagnosis of hypertension in the future, including psychological assistance.