Our study aims to evaluate the role of depression in blood pressure control in ambulatory hypertensive patients.

Research Problem: Hypertension is a multifactorial disease that affects approximately one quarter of the adult population. It is a major risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Environmental and psychosocial factors play an important role in hypertension onset and control. The prevalence of depression among hypertensive patients is 26, 8% and its presence is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular-related morbi-mortality. Our study aims to evaluate the role of depression in blood pressure control in ambulatory hypertensive patients. Investigative process: This study is a cross-sectional, multicentric and descriptive study. the investigators intend to include three hundred and two patients. After obtaining their consent, a 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor will be used to evaluate blood pressure control.

Depression was assessed by the 9-item-Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) in Tunisian dialect. Clinical, socio-environmental, psychosocial and therapeutic and prognosis data will be collected from medical records.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients consulting for high blood pressure
• Patients older than 18 years.
• Patients able to give informed consent.

Non inclusion Criteria :

• Patients followed for depression under treatment.
• Hospitalized patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• a white coat hypertension

outpatients consulting in the cardiology department in the different participating centers .