Is Hypertension Diagnostic Testing and Diagnosis Associated With Psychological Distress?
B B Green1,2,3, M L Anderson1, J B McClure1,3
1Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.
American Journal of Hypertension
|September 9, 2023
Summary
Hypertension diagnosis increased worry about heart attack and stroke, which persisted long-term for diagnosed individuals. Health-related quality of life remained unchanged by the diagnostic process.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Psychological Medicine
- Diagnostic Studies
Background:
- Psychological impacts of hypertension diagnosis and testing remain unclear.
- Elevated blood pressure (BP) necessitates diagnostic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the psychological effects of different hypertension diagnostic strategies.
- To evaluate changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and BP-related worry.
Main Methods:
- Randomized diagnostic study (BP-CHECK) with 482 participants.
- Three diagnostic arms: Clinic, Home, and Kiosk BP monitoring.
- Questionnaires assessed HRQOL, BP worry, and stroke/heart attack concerns at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 months.
Main Results:
- HRQOL did not significantly change across groups or time points.
- BP-related worry and concerns about stroke/heart attack increased significantly by 3 weeks.
- Kiosk monitoring led to higher stroke/heart attack concerns compared to Clinic and Home groups.
Conclusions:
- Hypertension diagnostic process did not impact HRQOL.
- BP-related worry increased short-term and persisted at 6 months for newly diagnosed individuals.
- Further research is needed to explore the impact of worry on psychological well-being and hypertension control.
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