Problem solving abilities: differences between high-blood pressure and normal-blood pressure subjects

Problem Solving (PS) abilities show an inverse relation with health problems. Further, training programs in social PS style reduce blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients. Aim of this study was evaluating PS (abilities and style) in both high-BP and normal-BP subjects. BP and PS were evaluated in 84 subjects (42 normal-BP subjects, mean age= 51; 42 high-BP subjects, mean age= 56,8). Results indicated that high-BP subjects spend more time than normal-BP subjects in solving visual-perceptual tests (p<.0000001), visual-spatial tests (p<.0002) and logic-reasoning tests (p<.003). No difference in PS style was found. Results confirm worse PS abilities in high-BP patients than in normal-BP subjects and seem to be in line with studies showing that hypertensive patients present same deficit in performing cognitive tasks, which involve executive functions. Health promotion programs, based on the development of PS abilities, could contribute in reducing BP in hypertensive patients.