[Influence of social support on patients with essential hypertension]

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C Menéndez Villalva1, A Montes Martínez, T Gamarra Mondelo

  • 1Centro de Saúde Mariñamansa-A Cuña. Ourense. España. carmenvill@eresmas.com

Atencion Primaria
|May 27, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Patients with essential hypertension and limited social support had higher blood pressure. This study highlights the impact of social networks on hypertension management and control.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Essential hypertension is a prevalent cardiovascular condition.
  • Social support is a recognized factor influencing health outcomes.
  • The specific impact of social support on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between social support and blood pressure control in patients with essential hypertension.
  • To determine if reduced social networks are associated with elevated blood pressure readings.

Main Methods:

  • An observational, prospective study was conducted over one year with 236 essential hypertension patients.
  • Clinical variables (blood pressure, BMI, comorbidities, treatment compliance) and social/family variables (social support, stressful events) were measured.
  • Statistical analysis controlled for potential confounding factors.

Main Results:

  • Patients with essential hypertension and poor social networks (0-1 contacts) exhibited significantly higher systolic (9.59 mmHg) and diastolic (4.29 mmHg) blood pressure.
  • A notable percentage of participants (30.2%) reported small social networks, and 22% had poor functional social support.
  • Blood pressure differences persisted after controlling for variables like age, sex, BMI, and comorbidities.

Conclusions:

  • A limited social network is associated with poorer blood pressure control in essential hypertension patients.
  • Social support appears to be a critical factor influencing hypertension management.
  • Interventions aimed at enhancing social support may benefit blood pressure control in hypertensive individuals.
Abstract

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