Why the study?
Although mental disorders and hypertension are correlated, the direction of this association and the specific risk factors mediating the causal effects remain unknown.
Does genetically predicted depression, anxiety, or panic attacks increase the risk of hypertension in European populations?
Population
European populations from eleven genome-wide association studies
Comparison
Genetically predicted depression, anxiety, or panic attacks vs hypertension and potential mediators
Design
Univariate and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors
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Should not yet change practice; leaves open trials of mood-disorder treatment to prevent hypertension.
Does genetically predicted depression, anxiety, or panic attacks increase the risk of hypertension in European populations?
This Mendelian randomization study provides evidence for a bidirectional causal relationship between depression and hypertension, with type 2 diabetes and smoking mediating a significant proportion of the effect.
Li et al. (2025) studied this question.
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