Effect of anxiety and depression on blood pressure: 11-year longitudinal population study

Background The long-term effect of anxiety and depression on blood pressure is unclear. Aims To examine the prospective association of anxiety and depression with change in blood pressure in a general population. Method Data on 36530 men and women aged 20-78 years participating in the Nord-Trondelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway in 1984-86 were re-examined 11 years later. Results A high symptom level of anxiety and depression at baseline predicted low systolic blood pressure (<10th percentile) at follow-up (OR=1.30, 95% Cl 1.08-1.57) when those with low systolic blood pressure at baseline were excluded. Change in symptom level of anxiety and depression between baseline and follow-up was inversely associated with change in systolic blood pressure. For diastolic blood pressure, the findings were weaker or non-significant. Conclusions Symptoms of anxiety and depression predicted lower blood pressure 11 years later.