According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is a condition in which a person’s blood pressure consistently remains above the normal range. Often symptomless, it increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, and organ damage.

The causes vary from high salt intake, chronic stress, physical inactivity, being overweight, to genetic factors. Although more common in older adults, hypertension is increasingly found in younger populations.

The belief that individuals with high blood pressure are easily angered is a widely held myth. Scientific studies reveal that high blood pressure doesn’t directly cause emotional instability. Instead, physical discomfort—such as headaches, neck tension, rapid heartbeat, or fatigue—can impact mood. Moreover, the long-term commitment to daily medication may contribute to psychological stress, influencing emotional wellbeing.

Recent research indicates that emotional volatility is more closely linked to reduced quality of life and mental stress than to hypertension itself.

Importance of a Comprehensive Hypertension Panel

To fully understand your health condition, undergoing a hypertension panel test is highly recommended. This includes:

Complete blood count: detects infection or anemia

Urinalysis: early signs of kidney damage

Fasting & postprandial glucose: checks for diabetes risk

Lipid profile: measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels

Kidney function (urea & creatinine): assesses kidney performance

Uric acid: identifies gout risks

Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium): maintains fluid and heart balance

Microalbumin: early kidney damage marker

Cortisol (stress hormone): detects hormonal causes

Chest X-ray: evaluates heart and lung condition

Electrocardiogram (ECG): identifies heart enlargement or rhythm issues

These tests help not only to uncover the cause of high blood pressure but also prevent complications and determine appropriate treatments. While some medications may affect mood, most are safe when taken under medical supervision.