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From the way gut health impacts our anxiety levels to howdiet can boost moodand the importance ofsocial connections for dementia risk, it’s becoming more and more evident that mental health and physical health are remarkably intertwined.
Previous research in this field usually proves correlation rather than causation, though. That means that the findings often leave us with a chicken-or-egg dilemma: Does good physical health lead to fewer mental health challenges, or do mental health struggles make it harder to choose healthier physical habits?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in two Americans have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. This not only puts us at higher risk for several chronic health conditions, includingheart diseaseanddementia, buthigh blood pressure also increases the likelihood that an individual might have a specific personality trait: neuroticism, a new study published November 21, 2022 in the journalGeneral Psychiatrysuggests.
Read on to learn more about how they determined this connection, plus the best action plan to take care of your heart and your anxiety levels all at once.
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What This Blood Pressure Study Found
The scientists on this research team looked at data from four different components of blood pressure:
The goal of their study was to determine if they could find a causal relationship between any or all of these four different data points and four different psychological states:
Using a technique calledMendelian randomization, which involves looking at gene variants to try to spot if any one factor is causing a specific outcome, and genome-wide association studies, the scientists found that most of the connections they saw were not significant enough to deem conclusion-worthy. The exception: The link between diastolic blood pressure and neuroticism. An elevated diastolic blood pressure (as a reminder, that “80” in the 120/80 mmHg reading) appears to have a significant genetic causal effect on neuroticism rates.
That being said, neuroticism isn’t necessarily a bad thing. While those who err on the neurotic side are often more sensitive to their emotions and surroundings, which can lead to more worrying or anxiety, they are also often incredible planners and come prepared for tasks they’re alerted about in advance. Still, the opposite of “neurotic” in theBig Five Personality Traitsis emotional stability; a state that most of us seek out.
Based on their findings, the scientists note in their study that “appropriate management of BP may reduce neuroticism, neuroticism-inducing mood disorders and cardiovascular diseases” (since blood pressure plays a role in heart disease risk, too). The reason for the direct causal relationship is difficult to pin down, the authors admit, and they hope to dive into this more in the future—and among a more diverse and larger pool of participants.
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The Bottom Line
This new study suggests that high blood pressure, in particular diastolic blood pressure, may lead to increased neuroticism and anxious feelings. And on the flip side, keeping blood pressure within a “normal” range can help you keep your cool and maintain emotional stability.
This finding adds to a growing pool of research that advocates the importance of keeping blood pressure within a healthy range of less than 130/80 mmHg.
Managing blood pressure involves a multifaceted strategy, which your medical team can help define. In general, these strategies can helptame your ticker’s elevated blood pressure—and certainly can’t hurt in terms of your mood, too!
Up Next:17 High Blood Pressure-Friendly Dinners You’ll Want to Make Forever
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