High blood pressure is often linked to heart disease, but it may also have a surprising effect on personality. A new study suggests that diastolic blood pressure—the lower number in a blood pressure reading—can play a major role in shaping a person’s personality, particularly increasing their tendency to be neurotic.
Neuroticism is a personality trait that makes people more likely to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, stress, and sadness. Those with high levels of neuroticism often worry a lot, feel insecure, and react strongly to criticism.
They may also be more prone to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This study found that keeping diastolic blood pressure under control may help reduce neurotic behaviors and improve both mental and physical health.
To explore the link between blood pressure and personality, researchers used a technique called Mendelian randomization. This method looks at genetic variations that influence a specific health factor—in this case, blood pressure—to determine whether it directly causes another condition.
Because genetics play a significant role in blood pressure (about 30-60% of a person’s blood pressure is inherited), scientists were able to use over 1,000 genetic markers to study this connection.
The researchers analyzed data from eight large studies that included DNA information from people of European ancestry. Their findings showed that high blood pressure, particularly diastolic blood pressure, had a strong influence on neuroticism.
However, they did not find the same strong link between blood pressure and conditions like anxiety or depression. The study suggested that over 90% of the connection between blood pressure and neuroticism came from diastolic blood pressure specifically.
The reason for this link is not yet fully understood, but researchers believe that blood pressure affects both the heart and the brain, which could influence personality traits. People with high diastolic blood pressure might experience long-term effects on their brain function, leading to increased sensitivity to stress and negative emotions.
Neuroticism itself can also contribute to poor health. People who are highly neurotic tend to experience more mental stress, which can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. This creates a cycle where high blood pressure and neuroticism reinforce each other, potentially leading to worse physical and mental health over time.
The study highlights the importance of managing blood pressure not just for heart health but also for mental well-being. Regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, and proper medical care can help keep blood pressure in check, which may, in turn, help reduce neurotic tendencies.
The findings suggest that controlling diastolic blood pressure could be a useful strategy for improving both psychological health and overall quality of life.
This research, conducted by Dr. Cai L and colleagues, was published in General Psychiatry.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and natural coconut sugar could help reduce blood pressure and artery stiffness.
For more health information, please see recent studies about added sugar in your diet linked to higher blood pressure, and results showing vitamin D could improve blood pressure in people with diabetes.
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