Impact of anxiety level on circadian rhythm of blood pressure in hypertensive patients

• Published in: International journal of clinical and experimental medicine Vol. 8; no. 9; pp. 16252 - 16258
• Main Authors: Özpelit, Mehmet Emre, Özpelit, Ebru, Doğan, Nazile Bilgin, Pekel, Nihat, Ozyurtlu, Ferhat, Yılmaz, Akar, Saygı, Serkan, Tengiz, İstemihan, Ercan, Ertugrul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States e-Century Publishing Corporation 01-01-2015
• Subjects: Original; Hypertension; anxiety; morning blood pressure surge
• ISSN: 1940-5901; 1940-5901

Considering the high prevalence rates and growing incidences of hypertension (HT) and anxiety disorders in the modern world, a full understanding of anxiety's relationship to HT is crucial. In this study we aimed to investigate the effects of anxiety level on circadian rhythm of blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients.
This cross-sectional study included 160 previously diagnosed essential hypertensive patients (80 female, 80 male, mean age: 55.3±15.1 years). All participants underwent 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and filled State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) (trait) Questionnaire. The study population was divided into 2 groups according to their STAI scores; an anxiety group (n=97; STAI ≥45) and a control group (n=63; STAI<44). Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and ABPM measurements were compared between the groups.
There was no significant difference between the groups for ABPM parameters except morning blood pressure surge (MBPS). Anxiety group had a significantly higher MBPS compared to control group (14.4±17.0 vs 9.1±11.9 mmHg, P:0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that duration of HT and STAI score were the only independent predictors of MBPS.
Patients' anxiety level is associated with MBPS which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications. Assessment and control of anxiety seems to be worthy in effective treatment of hypertension.