Effects of SSRI medication on heart rate and blood pressure in individuals with hypertension and depression

ABSTRACTObjective: To test the role of escitalopram on blood pressure and heart rate of individuals with hypertension and depression.Methods: A total of 30 individuals participated in this study who were being treated for hypertension and were diagnosed with major depression. Escitalopram (10–20 mg) was administered to 15 individuals, while the other 15 received placebo. These individuals were followed for 8 weeks with regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate. Scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were evaluated within the first, second, fourth, and eighth weeks of the study onset.Results: Comparing with placebo, heart rate was lower in the escitalopram group (66.79 ± 9.85 vs. 74.10 ± 9.52 bpm, p = 0.044). There was not a significant decrease of systolic blood pressure (140.80 ± 16.48 vs 139.61 ± 18.92 mmHg, p = 0.85) and diastolic blood pressure (80.55 ± 12.64 vs 80.18 ± 16.36 mmHg, p = 0.94).Conclusion: Escitalopram decreases HR, but not BP, in individuals with hypertension and depre...