Recent research has found a negative association between high blood pressure and OCPD in males. This however, contrasts with previous research that indicates risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease associated with high blood pressure in this population.

Cleveland State University

Tobacco use has been heavily associated with Cluster C personality disorders, of which OCPD is a part of. Compulsive exercise, a behavior present in some with OCPD, can lead to an increased risk of injury. More broadly, OCPD personality traits may negatively impact health through psychosocial stress overactivating the autonomic nervous system, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, metabolic systems,
and the immune system, leading to numerous poor health outcomes.

Lifestyle and Behavioral Factors Associated with Poor Health Outcomes in OCPD

Morreale, M., Holingue, C., Samuels, J., & Nestadt, G. (2021). Long‐term physical health outcomes of obsessive‐compulsive personality disorder traits. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(11), 2626–2637. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23207 

Long‐term physical health outcomes of
obsessive‐compulsive personality disorder traits

Among the study's sample, 78% of females and 84% of males reported a lifetime history of smoking; significantly higher than the general population. This high rate could potentially be associated with the presence of cardiovascular issues.

Tobacco Usage Rates in OCPD

Females with OCPD have been found to have high rates of indecisiveness. A positive correlation between indecisiveness and heart conditions, including rheumatic heart disease, angina pectoris, or congestive heart failure, has been found.

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