ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRESS AND HYPERTENSION IN ADULTS

Abstract

This study conducted an integrative literature review aimed at investigating the relationship between stress and the development or worsening of hypertension in adults. Hypertension, a chronic condition with high prevalence and significant public health impact, has traditionally been examined from physiological perspectives; however, psychosocial factors—particularly stress—have increasingly gained relevance in understanding this condition. A systematic search was carried out in the PubMed, BVS, and Lilacs databases, following the PRISMA protocol and using the PICO strategy to guide the research question. After a rigorous selection process, nine studies were included in the final analysis. The results indicate that chronic stress significantly affects the pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension by activating the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, leading to increased cortisol levels, vasoconstriction, and persistent elevation of blood pressure. Studies also showed that stress influences risk behaviors such as physical inactivity, poor diet, and irregular sleep, further increasing the risk of hypertension. Occupational and psychosocial factors—such as work overload, low income, negative emotional states, and high-pressure environments—were likewise associated with elevated blood pressure levels. Despite the consistency of the findings, methodological limitations were observed, including small sample sizes, heterogeneity in stress measurement methods, and a lack of longitudinal studies. It is concluded that stress is a relevant factor in the development and worsening of hypertension in adults, reinforcing the need for integrated approaches that include stress-management strategies in clinical care, as well as future research exploring psychosocial interventions and evaluating their impact on hypertension control.