Objective:

The objective was to compare the executive functions between hypertensive and non-hypertensive middle-aged Mexican adults.

Methods:

An observational and analytic study was designed. Participants were men and women residents of Southeastern Mexico, aged between 40 and 60 years, with at least 5 years of hypertension diagnosis. The control group was people without hypertension. All participants completed a digit symbol substitution test (DSST), clinical and epidemiological data. Statistical analysis unpaired Student's t-test, p < 0.05.

Results:

DSST score in control men was 37.78 ± 11.94, control women: 42.96 ± 11.19, hypertensive men: 16.81 ± 9.82, and hypertensive women: 26.88 ± 12.04. Significant differences were found between hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups. Men had worse scores than women. No difference between normotensive men and women. Inverse correlation was found between DSST score and age, values of systolic and diastolic blood tension in the hypertension group.

Conclusion:

Hypertension decreases the executive function in middle-aged people, mainly in men. This dysfunction could be an early indicator of brain deterioration.

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