Scientists have established a link between hypertension and anxiety-depressive disorders

Every tenth patient suffering from hypertension is faced with the effect when the drugs for the disease cease to work. In addition, if a person is also susceptible to anxiety and depressive disorders (ARD), the disease becomes "uncontrollable." Izvestia found out on September 18 after reviewing the relevant research by scientists at Sechenov University.

TDR, which affects 36.8% of patients with hypertension, triggers a number of dangerous processes in the human body. Among them are blood clots that increase the risk of blood clots, triggering a "stress reaction" that increases the heart rate and leads to an increase in blood glucose levels. Stress hormones and cortisol are also released in this condition, which prevents the heart from pumping blood and leads to systemic inflammation.

It was found that among elderly patients, anxiety increases the risk of hypertension 3.6 times for men and 6.8 times for women. For middle-aged people, the danger increases by 1.8 times.

People suffering from hypertension and TDR at the same time often develop phobias, such as the fear of a heart attack or stroke. They also have an obsessive habit of measuring blood pressure and paying increased attention to the slightest sensations in the chest. At the same time, panic provokes new pressure surges in the body.

At the same time, 40% of such patients, on the contrary, show signs of indifference and emphatically deny the disease. However, they are also susceptible to fears. At the same time, the repression of thoughts prevents them from adequately monitoring their health.

According to scientists, the combination of high blood pressure and depression increases the risk of stroke by 2.5 times.

"The main problem that occurs with depression is low adherence to treatment. As practice shows, patients with depression often ignore doctors' recommendations, relying on questionable sources, advice from friends and traditional medicine, which leads to complications," said Beatrice Volel, Professor, director of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, Professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychosomatics at Sechenov University.

It is noted that in this regard, an important part of the diagnosis of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is screening for anxiety and depression.

In their study, the scientists were able to prove that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as depression and anxiety, also lead to the development of resistance, that is, immunity to standard drug regimens. This condition is found in 10-20% of patients with hypertension.

Among the study participants, 34% of respondents with resistant hypertension showed a tendency to dramatization, egocentrism, and mood swings. 24% are prone to fantasies, isolation, and withdrawal from close contacts. 22% were constantly in high spirits, disorganized, sociable, and eager for novelty.

"The doctor's attention to the patient's psychoemotional state and personal characteristics can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment — reduce the likelihood that medications will stop helping, and increase the chances that the patient will accurately follow the recommendations of specialists," says Professor Volel.

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