Researchers at Michigan State University have released results from a study that shows a link between manic bipolar disorder and high blood pressure. The study found that of the patients hospitalized with bipolar disorder, nearly half suffered from high blood pressure. Also noted was that the younger the person who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the greater their chances were of developing high blood pressure. The study – led by Dale D’Mello, a psychiatrist at Michigan State University – took data from 99 patients who were hospitalized for bipolar disorder. Connections between mental disorders and cardio-metabolic conditions – such as diabetes and heart disease – have already been established, and the new research could lead to more improved treatments now that a link to high blood pressure has been established. Bipolar disorder, often referred to as manic-depressive disorder, results in mood swings in patients ranging from depression to mania, or mental hyperactivity. The study also showed that bipolar patients who suffer from high blood pressure developed higher levels of mania.

The data analyzed in the study showed that patients suffering from bipolar disorder were 45% more likely to have high blood pressure then 30.5% in general population. Of the 99 patients assessed between 2002 and 2006, about half of the patients were males with a mean blood pressure of 137 / 83 mm Hgg, and a body mass index BMI of 30. Also to be noted was that there was a high number of smokers in the study and that 37% of the patients were obese. According to D’Mello:

“Our study suggests the possibility of a link [between bipolar and hypertension].”

While the data does suggest a link between bipolar disorder and high blood pressure, the underlying cause of the association is uncertain. D’Mello did note “there were many confounding factors we didn’t control for in this study.” Certain antipsychotic drugs that patients could have been taking earlier in their lives have been found to lead to metabolic syndrome, and therefore may play a part in the development of high blood pressure. The study does provide hope – if bipolar disease does in fact increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, they could come up with newer, safer treatments for bipolar patients. D’Mello concluded:

“As psychiatrists we have the opportunity to manage and perhaps prevent a physical disorder.”

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