Nadciśnienie tętnicze w ujęciu neuropsychologicznym
Neuropsychology of hypertension

Summary/Abstract: Hypertension (HTN) is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems among adults in industrialized societies. More than 68 million people worldwide have high blood pressure, and only 50% of them are under medical supervision. Noteworthy is voluminous literature confirming the impact of behavioural, psychological and social factors on the incidence and maintenance of coronary artery disease and hypertension. Over the past 50 years, extensive research has documented the impact of stress and dispositional factors in the aetiology of both those diseases. The consequences of high blood pressure, which directly affect the central nervous system, and thus cognitive functioning, are emphasized. Unfortunately, a comprehensive review of the literature leads to the conclusion that neuropsychological problems of patients with HTN are insufficiently highlighted. Articles mainly focus on the traditional aspects of psychosomatic issues, such as emotions or stress, and ignore the potential cognitive consequences of HTN. The functioning of the central nervous system is considered in the context of various cerebrovascular diseases. Consequently, the negative impact of the HTN on functioning of the central nervous system, as well as premature ageing of the brain, reflected by vascular cognitive impairment, are underestimated. The article focuses primarily on contemporary research. It also summarizes the current knowledge of the behavioural, psychological and brain correlates of dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, with a particular emphasis on hypertension.

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