Taking medication for high blood pressure may have an unexpected downside, especially for women. A recent study shows that sticking closely to hypertension treatment can lower women’s quality of life, particularly in terms of mental health.
Women who took their medication daily reported feeling more anxious. Women who were less consistent reported more depression and stress. These findings highlight the importance of considering mental health support for people managing chronic health conditions.
Differences Between Men and Women in Blood Pressure Treatment
The study, published in The Nature, reveals important gender differences. Researchers looked at over 7,200 adults, grouped by blood pressure status and treatment adherence. Some didn’t know they had high blood pressure. Others knew and either followed their treatment or didn’t. This allowed researchers to explore how knowledge of one’s condition, and commitment to treatment, affects physical and emotional well-being.
Men who followed their medication routines reported a lower physical quality of life but did not show more anxiety or depression. Women in blood pressure treatment, however, experienced stronger mental health impacts. Those with high treatment adherence had higher levels of anxiety. Those with low adherence had more symptoms of depression and stress. These differences suggest women may feel more stress managing high blood pressure.
Dr. Parisa Amiri, one of the study’s authors, explains, “Our findings emphasize the need for gender-specific approaches in managing hypertension.” Societal expectations and caregiving pressures may add to women’s mental health burden when managing chronic conditions.
How Awareness Affects Quality of Life
People who didn’t know they had high blood pressure felt no difference in their quality of life compared to those with normal blood pressure. This supports the “hypertensive label” effect, where just knowing about a condition can change someone’s perception of their health.
For some, learning they have high blood pressure might bring unnecessary stress. This study aligns with other research showing that a diagnosis, even without symptoms, can impact mental health. Dr. Mahdieh Niknam, the study’s lead researcher, notes that hypertension awareness is essential but can sometimes bring its own challenges.
Mental Health Impact on Women with High Blood Pressure
Hypertension treatment influences women’s mental health in specific areas. These include social functioning, energy levels, and overall mental well-being. Women who took their blood pressure medication consistently reported lower energy and higher anxiety. They also scored lower in “vitality”—a measure of enthusiasm and liveliness.
Researchers suggest that women may experience the burden of daily medication more than men. Cultural pressures and a tendency to internalize stress could play a role. This gender difference suggests women with high blood pressure may benefit from additional mental health support.
Why Hypertension Treatment Needs Mental Health Support
These findings show the need to look beyond just medication for treating hypertension. Dr. Niknam and her team stress that mental health support is essential, especially for women who feel the burden of treatment more intensely. Niknam says, “Hypertension management often focuses on medication, but we need to address the psychological side as well.”
Mental health counseling could help women manage the emotional stress that often comes with a hypertension diagnosis. Supporting mental health alongside physical symptoms may improve quality of life for patients.
What This Means for People Managing Hypertension
For some, knowing about high blood pressure and managing it every day can lower well-being. For women especially, a strict treatment routine may increase stress or anxiety. On the other hand, those unaware of their high blood pressure often feel fine. This highlights how much awareness and medication routines can affect quality of life.
Health isn’t just about numbers or medication. Living with a condition affects overall well-being. High blood pressure care should consider the person’s whole experience—not just symptoms or blood pressure readings.
