Effects of Psychological Stress on Hypertension in Middle-Aged Chinese: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

We examined the effect and relative contributions of different types of stress on the risk of hypertension. Using cluster sampling, 5,976 community-dwelling individuals aged 40–60 were selected. Hypertension was defined according to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee, and general psychological stress was defined as experiencing stress at work or home. Information on known risk factors of hypertension (e.g., physical activity levels, food intake, smoking behavior) was collected from participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associations between psychological stress and hypertension, calculating population-attributable risks and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). General stress was significantly related to hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 1.247, 95% CI [1.076, 1.446]). Additionally, after adjustment for all other risk factors, women showed a greater risk of hypertension if they had either stress at work or at home: OR = 1.285, 95% CI (1.027, 1.609) and OR = 1.231, 95% CI (1.001, 1.514), respectively. However, this increased risk for hypertension by stress was not found in men. General stress contributed approximately 9.1% (95% CI [3.1, 15.0]) to the risk for hypertension. Thus, psychological stress was associated with an increased risk for hypertension, although this increased risk was not consistent across gender.

Mediterranean lifestyle and cardiovascular disease prevention

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“…Menurut Hu et al (2015) stress level contribute about 9.1% for the risk of hypertension. Individual with high level of stress will influence her sleeping quality, whether it is sleeping disorder, short sleep (stay up late) or poor sleeping quality.…”

The self‐perceptions of aging were an important factor associated with the quality of life in Chinese elderly with hypertension

“…Self‐perceptions of aging (SPA) are the unique psychological reactions to the aging process and have a great impact on QOL of the elderly . Psychological factors can affect physiological functions . Negative emotions and causes of hypertension are mutually causal, causing pathological, physiological, and psychological changes, resulting in the deterioration and prognosis of hypertension, which may influence their QOL.…”

“…Psychological factors can affect physiological functions . Negative emotions and causes of hypertension are mutually causal, causing pathological, physiological, and psychological changes, resulting in the deterioration and prognosis of hypertension, which may influence their QOL.…”