Lowering blood pressure can be beneficial in more ways than one, and recent research has revealed yet another important reason to watch our diet and stay active: mental health.
In a new study on the impact of cardiovascular health, researchers found that people with high blood pressure may face an increased risk for poorer psychological well-being as they get older. With such powerful evidence linking physical health to emotional well-being, it’s more important than ever to look after ourselves and ensure we’re looking out for our overall physical and mental state.
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Let’s explore this groundbreaking research further. How is high blood pressure linked with poorer mental health?
The study from the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig, Germany, used a large sample size of the UK Biobank with over 500,000 study participants. They were able to show how higher blood pressure was associated with greater well-being, lower emotion-related brain activity, and fewer depressive symptoms.
Researchers also found that the threat of high blood pressure (hypertension) was linked to poorer mental health even before hypertension was diagnosed.
“In the clinic, we observe that those affected often feel tired and fatigued and then do not take their medication against the higher blood pressure because this additionally hits their mood,” explains Arno Villringer, the study’s last author.
In contrast, researchers also found that people with temporarily higher blood pressure can feel good mentally. However, with permanent high blood pressure development comes poorer mental health. This is due to the pain threshold increasing with higher blood pressure. This can apply to physical pain, social pain, and greater stress. Many people endure pain or stress, but they may be diagnosed with hypertension ten years later.
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Researchers suggest mental health and the cardiovascular system have more of a complex interaction than previously thought. This could provide fresh perspectives on preventing and treating mental health and hypertension.
Healthcare professionals can offer new therapeutic modalities by looking at the interaction between the two. These may include dietary changes, exercise programs, and stress-management techniques. Ultimately, this approach could improve patient outcomes and lead to a better understanding of how mental health and physical health interact.
Maintaining Blood Pressure and Mental Health
By maintaining healthy blood pressure, you can also help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and help support overall heart health. Human clinical studies have shown Healthy Blood Pressure Support helps support healthy blood pressure, making it an excellent choice for those looking to support healthy blood pressure levels. In addition, Healthy Blood Pressure Support also supports healthy cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
Stress can take a toll on the brain, affecting concentration, memory, and overall cognitive function. The Smart Pill can help counteract these effects through nine ingredients that help support, nourish, and maximize brain health and cognitive function. These include ginkgo biloba, huperzine A, bacopa extract, rosemary extract, and a B vitamin complex. This unique formula helps boost circulation, fight free radicals, and help to promote clear thinking.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
