The association among hypertension and reduced psychological well-being, anxiety and sleep disturbances: a population study.

Hypertension (HP) is a serious condition affecting about one quarter of all adults, both men and women. Genetic and environmental factors are of importance in its aetiology, while psychosocial factors may also play a role. This study focused on psychosocial factors and examined the association among reduced psychological well-being, anxiety, sleep disturbances and HP by comparing people with HP and the general population. A national survey of 12,166 individuals (hypertensives n = 2047; rest of population n = 10,119) was conducted using two-step multiple logistic regression with an odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval. The study is in accordance with Swedish legislation pertaining to ethics. Reduced psychological well-being, anxiety and sleep disturbances were higher in the HP group and, in addition, reduced psychological well-being was, still higher in the presence of severe anxiety and serious sleep disturbances. These three factors are of major importance for HP, but it is difficult to know whether they are causes or consequences. In order to prevent HP, support for people who exhibit such risk factors should be a matter of high priority.