Wiwin Sriwinengsih, Bayu Nirwana

Silent agitators: The role of anxiety in exacerbating hypertension among hospitalized patients in Subang

Introduction

Silent agitators: the role of anxiety in exacerbating hypertension among hospitalized patients in subang. Learn how anxiety significantly exacerbates hypertension among hospitalized patients in Subang. This study links anxiety levels to blood pressure changes, urging integrated patient management.

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a leading global health concern and a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Anxiety, a common psychological condition, is increasingly recognized for its role in exacerbating hypertension, especially in hospitalized settings. Despite this, the relationship between anxiety and hypertension in such environments remains underexplored. Purpose: This study investigates the relationship between anxiety levels and hypertension exacerbation among patients hospitalized in Subang, Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 60 hypertensive patients admitted to a regional hospital. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), while blood pressure measurements were recorded during hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between anxiety and blood pressure changes. Results: Results indicated that higher anxiety levels were significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension exacerbation (OR 1.25; p < 0.01). The average HAM-A score was 18.7, reflecting moderate anxiety, and the mean blood pressure change was 12.5 mmHg. Demographic analysis revealed an evenly distributed sample with diverse educational and occupational backgrounds. Conclusion: Anxiety significantly contributes to the destabilization of blood pressure in hospitalized patients, underscoring the need for integrated management strategies that address both psychological and physiological aspects of hypertension. Implementing early identification and targeted interventions for anxiety can improve hypertension outcomes and overall patient care. This study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to hypertension management, particularly in high-stress environments like hospitals.

Review

The study, "Silent agitators: The role of anxiety in exacerbating hypertension among hospitalized patients in Subang," addresses a highly relevant and critical area concerning patient care: the intricate relationship between psychological stress and physiological health outcomes in a clinical setting. The authors clearly articulate their objective to investigate the association between anxiety levels and hypertension exacerbation among hospitalized patients in Subang, Indonesia. This is a timely contribution given the global burden of hypertension and the increasing recognition of mental health's profound impact on chronic conditions. The study effectively highlights a significant, yet often overlooked, factor in blood pressure management, particularly in the high-stress environment of a hospital. Methodologically, the research employed a focused cross-sectional design, involving 60 hypertensive patients admitted to a regional hospital. Anxiety levels were appropriately assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), a widely accepted and validated tool, alongside routine blood pressure measurements. The application of logistic regression analysis to determine the association between anxiety and blood pressure changes is suitable for the study's objective. The reported results are compelling, indicating that higher anxiety levels were significantly associated with increased odds of hypertension exacerbation (OR 1.25; p < 0.01), with an average HAM-A score reflecting moderate anxiety. These findings are clearly presented and provide strong evidence for the observed association. The conclusions drawn by the authors are well-supported by their data and hold significant practical implications. Emphasizing the need for integrated management strategies that address both psychological and physiological aspects of hypertension, the study advocates for early identification and targeted interventions for anxiety to improve hypertension outcomes. This is a crucial recommendation for healthcare providers, particularly in the demanding environment of hospitals. While the cross-sectional nature limits the ability to infer direct causality and the sample size is modest, the study effectively underscores the importance of a holistic approach to hypertension management within a specific regional context. Future research could build upon these findings by employing longitudinal designs or evaluating the efficacy of specific anxiety-reducing interventions to further strengthen the evidence base and explore causal pathways.

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