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From Brain to Behavior: Hypertension's Modulation of Cognition and Affect
J Richard Jennings1, Alicia F Heim
1Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
International Journal of Hypertension
|April 21, 2012
Summary
Essential hypertension impacts brain regulation of blood vessels, potentially affecting cognitive and emotional functions. Neuroimaging suggests the brain is an early target, linking psychological factors to hypertension development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Essential hypertension is increasingly linked to brain alterations.
- Evidence suggests the brain may be an early target in hypertension development.
- Psychological factors may contribute to hypertension initiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of blood pressure on affect perception and experience.
- To explore the role of brain regulation in essential hypertension.
- To examine neuroimaging findings in hypertensive individuals.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal models and human studies on essential hypertension.
- Analysis of human neuroimaging findings.
- Examination of evidence linking blood pressure to affect.
Main Results:
- The brain's regulation of vasculature appears impacted by essential hypertension.
- Neuroimaging indicates the brain may be an early site affected by the disease.
- Blood pressure elevation may influence cognitive and affective functions.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension likely involves brain mechanisms, including psychological factors.
- Brain imaging supports the involvement of affective function in hypertensive individuals.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the brain-hypertension relationship.
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