Khaberni - A scientific study has revealed an unexpected relationship between "high blood pressure" and certain psychological traits, which opens the door to a new understanding of the interplay between body and mind.
According to the study, high blood pressure, especially "diastolic pressure," can lead to subtle personality changes, most notably increased irritability and stress.
Hidden connection between the heart and mental health
The study, supervised by researchers including Dr. Joachim Mullner, indicates that high diastolic pressure (the second number in blood pressure measurements) can have a direct effect on what is known as "neuroticism," a personality trait characterized by increased sensitivity, anxiety, quick temper, and self-criticism, according to the French magazine "Marie France".
The researchers relied on an advanced scientific technique known as "Mendelian randomization," analyzing over a thousand genetic variables in hundreds of thousands of individuals, to study the relationship between blood pressure and psychological traits.
What happens inside the body?
When blood pressure remains high even during rest, the person is diagnosed with high blood pressure. Diastolic pressure refers to the stage when the heart relaxes between beats.
If it is high, the blood vessels, especially in the brain, are under constant pressure, which may affect delicate neural and psychological functions.
The researchers explain that individuals with a high degree of neuroticism are more prone to anxiety and anger and stress, and may suffer from mood disorders such as depression.
They also tend to experience high levels of psychological stress, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease.
Noteworthy study results
The results showed that diastolic pressure is the only factor that has a clear causal effect on neuroticism, while no strong direct relationship was found between blood pressure and either anxiety or depression or feelings of happiness.
Although the study sample was mostly of European origin, the results open the door to broader research to understand the relationship between physical health and mental health in different societies.
This study confirms the existence of a complex and reciprocal relationship: stress and neuroticism may raise blood pressure, and in turn, increased blood pressure may lead to more psychological disturbances.
Dr. Mullner notes that dealing with this condition requires a comprehensive approach, combining blood pressure control with treatment and medical follow-up, managing stress and psychological pressures, and improving lifestyle "sleep, nutrition, physical activity".
High blood pressure is no longer just a physical issue affecting the heart and arteries, but it may have profound reflections on mental state and personality. These results highlight the importance of dealing with health holistically, as the body and mind cannot be separated, especially in chronic diseases such as hypertension.
Early attention to measuring and controlling blood pressure, along with caring for mental health, could be key to avoiding serious complications, not just for the heart, but also for our way of thinking and feeling about life.
