Psychological distress associated with self-reported high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol in U.S. adults, 2007.

Objectives: The relationship between psychological distress and high blood pressure (HBP) and high blood cholesterol (HBC) is controversial. Psychological distress may interfere with lifestyle modification and health care service use among persons with these conditions. we examined the association between persons with HBP or HBC and psychological distress using a population-based study.

Methods: Data from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to assess if U.S. adults aged 35 years or older with self-reported HBP or HBC also had experienced psychological distress or mental health problems that interfered with their work or usual activities during the preceding 30 days.

Results: Respondents with self-reported HBP or HBC reported more psychological distress and more severe mental health problems that interfered with their work or usual activities than persons without those conditions. Psychological distress was associated with less use of selected health care services and lifestyle modification.

Conclusions: This population-based study confirmed the close association between two major cardiovascular risk factors (HBP and HBC) and psychological distress. Persons with these conditions may improve these conditions and their mental health if they receive mental health interventions.