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Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

Hypertension: cognitive and behavioral considerations

H E King1, R E Miller

  • 1Department of Psychology, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia 24450.

Neuropsychology Review
|March 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

High blood pressure (hypertension) may cause mild cognitive and behavioral changes, particularly affecting response speed. These effects are not extreme or specific to hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is a prevalent condition with known cardiovascular risks.
  • Potential impacts of hypertension and its treatments on cognitive and behavioral functions require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on functional changes associated with elevated blood pressure.
  • To examine effects of blood pressure reduction and antihypertensive medications on cognitive and behavioral domains.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of studies on psychomotor speed, intelligence, cognitive processing, sensory perception, and emotional behaviors.
  • Analysis of research concerning individuals with hypertension and those undergoing blood pressure treatment.

Main Results:

  • Hypertensive individuals exhibit some cognitive and behavioral deficits, though generally not severe.
  • Deficits are not highly specific, indicating a broader range of potential impacts.
  • The most significant disadvantage observed is a reduction in response speed.

Conclusions:

  • Functional changes in hypertensive individuals are subtle and not exclusive to this condition.
  • Antihypertensive treatments may also influence cognitive and behavioral outcomes.
  • Response speed appears to be the most affected domain in individuals with high blood pressure.

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