High blood pressure is widely recognized as a major risk factor for heart disease, but recent research suggests its impact goes beyond physical health.
A study published in General Psychiatry has found a strong link between diastolic blood pressure—the lower number in a blood pressure reading—and neurotic personality traits.
These findings suggest that managing diastolic blood pressure could not only reduce the risk of heart problems but also help curb neurotic tendencies and improve mental well-being.
Neuroticism is a personality trait characterized by heightened sensitivity to negative emotions, such as anxiety, worry, self-consciousness, and anger. People with this trait often experience mental stress and are more prone to anxiety and mood disorders.
This study highlights a potential causal relationship between high diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism, emphasizing the connection between heart health and mental health.
To explore this link, the researchers used a method called Mendelian randomization, which relies on genetic data to establish causal relationships between risk factors and outcomes.
By analyzing genetic variants, or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), they could determine whether high blood pressure directly contributes to neuroticism. SNPs are tiny variations in DNA that influence how people respond to drugs, environmental factors, and disease risks.
The study utilized genetic data from eight large datasets, primarily from individuals of European ancestry.
The researchers examined over 1,000 SNPs associated with blood pressure and found compelling evidence that high diastolic blood pressure has a strong causal effect on neuroticism.
Interestingly, the study did not find a direct link between blood pressure and other psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, or overall well-being, suggesting a unique connection between diastolic pressure and neurotic personality traits.
Over 90% of the genetic evidence pointed to diastolic blood pressure as the driving factor in the relationship with neuroticism.
This suggests that controlling diastolic pressure might help reduce traits like self-criticism, sensitivity to judgment, and a tendency toward negative emotions. In turn, this could decrease the risk of anxiety and mood disorders that are often associated with neuroticism.
The study also underscores the interplay between the heart and the brain. High blood pressure can affect blood flow and the functioning of the nervous system, which may influence personality development and mental health.
Neurotic individuals are particularly vulnerable to mental stress, which can create a vicious cycle of elevated blood pressure and worsening mental health.
The findings emphasize the importance of monitoring and managing blood pressure—not just for cardiovascular health but also for its potential impact on psychological well-being.
By keeping diastolic pressure under control, individuals may reduce their risk of neuroticism, related mood disorders, and the cardiovascular problems that can arise from chronic stress.
This research, conducted by Cai L and colleagues, offers new insights into how physical health and mental health are interconnected. It highlights the value of a holistic approach to healthcare that considers both the body and the mind.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that could increase high blood pressure risk, and people with severe high blood pressure should reduce coffee intake.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies that early time-restricted eating could help improve blood pressure, and results showing plant-based foods could benefit people with high blood pressure.
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