Evaluation of the Obesity and Depression in Hypertensive Patients

Abstract

Aim: Hypertension is one of the most common preventable causes of death in the world. In previous studies, the contribution of anxiety and depression symptoms in hypertension was investigated, but results were unclear. Obesity is one of the most important risk factors that leads to hypertension. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of body mass index (BMI) and Hamilton depression score on blood pressure in patients who comes to the Family Medicine Unit in Duzce University. Material and Methods: In this sectional study, 228 people diagnosed with obesity were included who admitted Duzce University family medicine unit. The relationship between BMI and Hamilton depression scores with systolic and diastolic blood pressure were studied in patients. Results: 200 of the patients (88%) enrolled in the study were women, and 28 of them (%12) were men. In our study, there was not significant effect of gender, occupational status, educational status and smoking on Hamilton depression score. Hamilton depression scores were analyzed in 228 patients, there was no depression in 182 patient (79.8%). Minor depression was detected in 35 patient (15.3%), major depresssion was found in 11 patients (4.8%). Increasing in The Hamilton depression score had a statistically significant effect on the increase in systolic blood pressure (p=0.017). Conclusion: According to these results, increasing BMI and Hamilton depression score were found to be associated with blood pressure increase. Holistic approaches to hypertensive patients are very important. Patient’s lifestyle, habits, current weight and psychological stress status should be examined in detail. This shows us that biopsychosocial holistic approach of family medicine unit to patient plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.