Symptom experiences in hypertension: a mixed methods systematic review

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Clinical Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Hypertension (HTN) is a prevalent condition.
• Understanding patient-reported symptoms is vital for healthcare professionals to improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize treatment strategies.
• Individual, cultural, and behavioral responses to HTN symptoms require further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing literature on hypertension symptoms.
• To evaluate current research exploring the diverse manifestations of HTN symptoms in patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review was conducted using data from MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus, and Web of Science (January 2010-January 2022).
• Search methodology adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Data quality was assessed using McMaster critical review forms, with synthesis guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Mixed Study Systematic Review approach.

Main Results:

• Forty-one articles (9 qualitative, 32 quantitative) were included, with varying quality.
• Reported symptoms ranged from common to less prevalent, including the absence of symptoms.
• Symptom presentation was influenced by culture, beliefs, psychosocial factors, and knowledge, with a potential bidirectional relationship between symptoms and self-management behaviors observed.

Conclusions:

• Hypertension symptoms are frequently reported and persist in many individuals post-diagnosis.
• Effective HTN management is multifactorial and influenced by a range of patient-specific elements.
• Ongoing evaluation of hypertension symptoms after initial diagnosis is essential for optimal management and adherence to blood pressure guidelines.