Abstract:
Hypertension remains a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and
mortality worldwide. While traditional risk factors such as genetic predisposition, diet, and
obesity are well established, psychosocial influences have emerged as significant
contributors to hypertension risk. This review synthesizes evidence from epidemiological,
experimental, and naturalistic studies examining the roles of psychological traits, social
isolation, social support, and stress responsivity. Consistent findings highlight the detrimental
effects of anger suppression, chronic stress exposure, and low social support on blood
pressure regulation. Furthermore, exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity to stress, particularly
in the presence of persistent environmental demands, predicts hypertension onset and target
organ damage. These psychosocial pathways are mediated through sympathetic and
neuroendocrine activation and may be compounded by maladaptive health behaviors.
Incorporating psychosocial determinants into comprehensive models of hypertension is
essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
