Feeling more irritable or anxious since learning you have high blood pressure? Recent research suggests a direct link between hypertension and personality traits, challenging the long-held belief that these reactions are simply due to stress. Understanding the connection between physical and mental health is increasingly vital for overall well-being.
A 2022 study analyzed data from hundreds of thousands of adults to explore the relationship between blood pressure, genetics, and character. The research focused specifically on the connection between diastolic blood pressure – the second number in a blood pressure reading – and neuroticism.
How High Blood Pressure May Impact Personality
Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure remains elevated even at rest. Diastolic pressure measures blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. When this number rises, the brain’s arteries are continuously subjected to increased pressure.
Researchers describe neuroticism as a tendency to experience negative emotions. “Individuals presenting with neuroticism may be sensitive to the criticisms of others, are often self-critical and easily develop anxiety, anger, worries, hostility, discomfort with themselves and depression,” the study authors wrote. “Neuroticism is considered a key factor in the occurrence of anxiety disorders and mood disorders. People with neurotic tendencies are more often exposed to high mental stress, which can lead to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Appropriate monitoring and control of blood pressure may be beneficial for the reduction of neuroticism, mood disorders induced by neuroticism, and cardiovascular diseases.”
What the Study Revealed About Blood Pressure and Neuroticism
To investigate this link, the research team employed a technique called Mendelian randomization, comparing over 1,000 genetic variations associated with blood pressure with levels of neuroticism, anxiety, depression, and overall well-being. Data was drawn from large genetic databases.
The results indicated that only diastolic blood pressure had a “significant causal effect” on neurotic traits. No clear connection was found between diastolic blood pressure and anxiety, depression, or happiness, within a sample primarily composed of individuals of European ancestry.
Hypertension, Stress, and Personality: A Cycle to Address
“In my opinion, the key takeaway from this study can be summarized as follows: ‘Individuals with ‘neuroticism’ more often experience high mental stress, which can lead to elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Appropriate management of blood pressure could reduce ‘neuroticism,’ which induces mood disorders and cardiovascular diseases,’” explained Dr. Joachim Müllner, a psychiatrist, in an interview with Doctissimo. “This highlights the complex interplay between stress and blood pressure, operating in both directions: a stressed temperament or neuroticism can contribute to increased blood pressure, and conversely, elevated blood pressure can lead to psychological distress and cardiovascular problems. A combined approach addressing both mental health and hypertension is crucial.”
