Australian researchers have found a link between mental illness and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. “This is another reason why society should pay more attention to mental health and seek treatment in a timely manner” — they alarm.
- New study by scientists from the University of South Australia and Malaysia, published in the journal BioMedical Engineering, shows a link between mental illness and dramatic changes in blood pressure
- Scientists are alarming that neglecting mental health can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease
- Reduced heart rate variability and an insufficient fall in blood pressure during sleep have been observed in mentally ill people
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Dr. Renly Lim of the University of South Australia and researchers at Malaysian universities say there is clear evidence that mental illness disrupt the autonomic functions of the body, including blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and breathing.
Low heart rate variability and too high blood pressure at night
The key factor here turned out to be heart rate variability — HRV), which is a natural state and which is an indicator of the level of stress. The level of stress in the body can be determined by analyzing the intervals between successive heartbeats. If it beats 60 times per minute, it does not necessarily mean that there is one second of space between each hit, and the distance between each hit depends on how stressed you are. The greater the variation between the timing of successive heartbeats, the better.
People with mental illness have decreased HRV, indicating a poor body’s response to stress. Low heart rate variability is a sign that your heart is not responding well to changes.
«We reviewed 12 studies of people with anxiety, depression and panic attacks and found that, regardless of age, mental illness is significantly associated with greater fluctuations in blood pressure throughout the day. We also found that in mentally ill people, the heart rate does not adapt to external stressors as it should. Contrary to what many people think, a healthy heart does not beat like a metronome. It should adapt to environmental and psychological challenges. A constantly changing heart rate is actually a sign of good health » — explains Dr. Renly Lim.
Scientists have also found that people with mental health problems do not lose blood pressure enough at night. At night, your systolic blood pressure should drop by 10-20% so that your heart can rest.
«There is one conclusion from this study, we need to pay more attention to the physical effects of mental illness. Since mental illness may contribute to the deterioration of heart and blood pressure regulation, early therapeutic intervention is essential » — warns Dr. Lim.
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