Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Blood Pressure Control in Young Adults With a Family History of
Junaid Ayaz Khan1, Faisal Wali Ahmed2, Naveen Shaikh3,4
1Internal Medicine, Sun Yat-sen Medical College, Guangzhou, CHN.
Insights
High perceived stress negatively impacts blood pressure control in young adults with a family history of hypertension. Stress management is crucial for improving blood pressure in this at-risk group.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Psychological Stress
- Hypertension Management
Background:
- Hypertension is a leading global cause of mortality and morbidity.
- Individuals with a family history of hypertension are at increased risk.
- The impact of perceived stress on blood pressure control in this demographic is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between perceived stress and blood pressure control.
- To examine this association in young adults with a family history of hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 385 young adults (aged 18-35) in Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Utilized Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale (HB-HBP).
- Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression.
Main Results:
- Higher perceived stress levels were reported by males.
- Perceived stress was moderately positively correlated with poorer blood pressure control (r=0.400, p < 0.001).
- Increased stress was associated with less effective blood pressure management; dietary adherence improved control.
Conclusions:
- Perceived stress significantly affects blood pressure control in young adults with a family history of hypertension.
- Stress management interventions may improve blood pressure in this high-risk population.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking stress to hypertension.
Background:
Hypertension is a primary reason for heart problems that lead to death or illness across the globe, and people with a family history are more prone to it. Stress is known to cause an increase in blood pressure, but the specific influence of stress perception on individuals in this high-risk group remains unclear. This study examines the relationship between perceived stress and blood pressure control in young adults with a family history of hypertension.
Methods:
This study employed a cross-sectional design, involving 385 young adults aged 18-35 years from universities, communities, and outpatient centres in Islamabad, Pakistan. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) in conjunction with the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale (HB-HBP). All data were run through IBM SPSS Version 26 using Pearson correlation, t-tests, ANOVA, and linear regression to examine the relationship between perceived stress and the effectiveness of blood pressure management. The data were gathered from February 2025 to May 2025.
Results:
Perceived stress showed a significant gender difference, with males reporting higher levels of stress (t=3.431, p=0.001). It was moderately positively correlated with blood pressure control (r=0.400, p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that the greater the stress, the less effectively a person managed their blood pressure (b=0.400, p < 0.001). Individuals adhering to a particular diet had improved control of their blood pressure (t=3.403, p=0.001). Although physical activity and marital status were found to have a statistically significant correlation with stress and blood pressure control (p < 0.05), the higher values were negligible.
Conclusion:
It is shown that controlling blood pressure in young adults who have a family history of hypertension can be affected by their perceived stress. Researchers found that stress management may be very helpful in improving the blood pressure of such high-risk patients. More studies are required to find out how stress can lead to hypertension, including emotional and physical/health aspects.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
01:28Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
01:30Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the...
01:28Hypertension I: Introduction
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
01:18Neural Regulation of Blood Pressure
Baroreceptor Reflex
Baroreceptors, located in the carotid sinuses and aortic arch, detect changes in blood pressure. When blood pressure rises, these stretch-sensitive receptors...