Questions remain about depression and hypertension; is it a direct, independent risk factor, or are there other risk factors involved? Hypertension is a commonly under-diagnosed condition, but it is a serious one; high blood pressure can increase the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke.4 Several analyses have concluded that depression is a risk factor for the development of hypertension.2,3,5
References:
1.Lim LF, Solmi M, Cortese S. Association between anxiety and hypertension in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131: 96–119.
2.Wu EL, Chien IC, Lin CH, et al. Increased risk of hypertension in patients with major depressive disorder: a population-based study. J Psychosom Res 2012; 73 (3): 169–174.
3.Patten SB, Williams JVA, Lavorato DH, et al. Major depression as a risk factor for high blood pressure: epidemiologic evidence from a national longitudinal study. Psychosom Med 2009; 71 (3): 273–279.
4.British Heart Foundation website. High blood pressure. https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure. Accessed April 2018.
5.Meng L, Chen D, Yang Y, et al. Depression increases the risk of hypertension incidence: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. J Hypertens 2012; 30 (5): 842–851.
