Many people know that high blood pressure can cause serious problems for the heart. But now, new research shows that it may also affect how we feel and act.
A study published in General Psychiatry has discovered a strong connection between diastolic blood pressure and certain personality traits, especially a trait called neuroticism.
Diastolic blood pressure is the lower number in a blood pressure reading, and it shows the pressure in your arteries when the heart rests between beats.
Neuroticism means being more likely to feel negative emotions like fear, worry, anger, or sadness. People with this personality trait may often feel nervous or moody and are more likely to suffer from mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The study suggests that keeping diastolic blood pressure at a healthy level might not only help the heart but also help people feel better emotionally and mentally.
The researchers used a scientific method called Mendelian randomization to study the connection. This method uses genetic information to figure out whether one thing actually causes another.
They looked at tiny differences in people’s DNA, called single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs. These small changes can affect how the body reacts to diseases, medications, and the environment.
They gathered data from eight large groups of people, mostly from Europe. In total, they studied over 1,000 SNPs that are linked to blood pressure. What they found was quite interesting.
There was a strong and direct link between high diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism. In fact, more than 90% of the genetic signs pointed to diastolic pressure as the key factor.
However, they did not find the same link between blood pressure and other mental health problems, such as general anxiety, depression, or happiness. This suggests that the connection between diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism might be unique.
This discovery could have real-life benefits. If people can manage their diastolic blood pressure, they might also be able to lower their levels of neuroticism. That means they might feel less self-critical, less sensitive to what others think, and have fewer negative emotions. This could lower the chances of developing serious mental health issues.
This study also shows how closely the brain and the heart are connected. High blood pressure can change how blood flows to the brain and how the nervous system works. These changes might shape how a person thinks, feels, or reacts emotionally.
For people who are already more sensitive to stress, this could turn into a harmful cycle. Their stress might raise their blood pressure, which then affects their mental health, making them even more stressed.
That’s why this research is so important. It shows that keeping an eye on blood pressure is not only good for the body but also for the mind. Taking care of your diastolic pressure could help you feel calmer, more balanced, and mentally stronger.
This study, led by researcher Cai L and their team, reminds us that physical and mental health are connected. Looking after one can help improve the other. So, it may be time to see blood pressure not just as a heart issue but also as something that shapes who we are.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and eating eggs in a healthy diet may reduce risks of diabetes, high blood pressure.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
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