The effect of anxiety on metabolic parameters in patients with primary hypertension

Aims: Although the role of anxiety in the pathogenesis of hypertension is known, the effect of anxiety on metabolic parameters in hypertension has not been demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of anxiety on metabolic parameters and blood pressure regulation in patients with primary hypertension. Methods: The study was designed as a single-center, descriptive cross-sectional study. A total of 150 patients receiving antihypertensive therapy for primary hypertension were included in the study. Patients were divided into minimal, mild, moderate, and severe anxiety groups according to the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Anthropometric measurements, metabolic parameters, and blood pressure measurements were compared between groups. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between anxiety severity and total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, body mass index, and waist circumference (p<0.05). Subgroup analyses showed that total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, body mass index, and waist circumference were higher in the severe anxiety group than in the minimal anxiety group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Anxiety in patients with primary hypertension appears to have negative consequences on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, body mass index, and waist circumference. In hypertension, female gender and obesity are associated with increased anxiety levels.