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Relationship between self-perceived stress and blood pressure
1Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Policlinic, University Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
Journal of Human Hypertension
|March 1, 1997
Summary
This study found that lower perceived stress was linked to higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) in healthy adults. This suggests stress denial, along with obesity and alcohol intake, may indicate higher blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Psychophysiology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- The role of stress in essential hypertension pathogenesis remains debated.
- Understanding the relationship between perceived stress and blood pressure is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between self-perceived stress and blood pressure (BP) in an asymptomatic, healthy population.
- To explore potential links between stress perception and cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1666 healthy adults (mean age 50 years).
- Data collected via self-administered questionnaires assessing stress perception and cardiovascular risk behaviors.
- Measurements included blood pressure (BP), body weight, height, and waist-to-hip ratio.
Main Results:
- An inverse relationship was observed between perceived stress and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (r = -0.12, P < 0.001).
- This association was consistent across genders and independent of age and body weight.
- No significant correlation was found between stress perception and diastolic blood pressure (DBP).
- Individuals with high-normal BP exhibited lower stress perception compared to those with normal BP.
- In regression analysis, stress score was the fourth most significant predictor of SBP, following BMI, waist-hip ratio, and age.
Conclusions:
- An inverse association exists between self-perceived stress and SBP in healthy individuals.
- This inverse relationship may indicate a neuroendocrine profile linked to inadequate stress management, higher fat/alcohol intake, and abdominal obesity, contributing to elevated BP.
- Stress denial, abdominal obesity, alcohol consumption, and smoking may collectively serve as indicators for high stress levels and increased hypertension risk.