Risk of hypertension in patients with bipolar disorder in Taiwan: a population-based study

To examine the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of hypertension in patients with bipolar disorder in Taiwan.

The National Health Research Institute provided a database of 1,000,000 random subjects for study in Taiwan. Study subjects ≥ 18 years or older had at least one service claim during 2005 for either outpatient or inpatient care, with a primary or secondary diagnosis of hypertension combined with antihypertensive drug treatment were identified. We also compared the incidence of hypertension in patients with bipolar disorder and the general population from 2006 through 2010.

The 1-year prevalence of hypertension in patients with bipolar disorder was higher than the general population (18.13% vs. 13.22%, odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-1.64) in Taiwan. Compared with the general population, patients with bipolar disorder had a higher prevalence of hypertension among 18- to 39-year-olds and 40- to 59-year-olds, in both sexes, and in the group with lower socioeconomic status. The average annual incidence of hypertension in patients with bipolar disorder from 2006 to 2010 was higher than the general population (2.83% vs. 1.99%, risk ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.62). Patients with bipolar disorder had a higher incidence of hypertension among 18- to 39-year-olds and 40- to 59-year-olds and in both sexes compared with the general population.

Patients with bipolar disorder had a higher prevalence and a higher incidence of hypertension than those in the general population. Prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment of hypertension are important issues for patients with bipolar disorder.