[Enhanced neuroticism in relation to cardiovascular risk factors in men]

Chronic stress is well known as a cardiovascular risk factor in men. There are few reports referred to the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and level of neuroticism in the psychological examination. We analysed 77 healthy men in mean age of 33.3 +/- 7.4 years being at risk of chronic professional stress. Level of neuroticism was examined by Geras scale and expressed as: low (1-4 sten)--group 1, mean (5-6 sten)--group 2 and high (7-10 sten)--group 3 level of neuroticism. The common biochemical, clinical and environmental cardiovascular risk factors were examined. In the whole group of 77 probands we identified 24 (31%) (group 2) and 10 (13%) (group 3) persons with mean and high level of neuroticism. In the group 2 we find the highest cholesterol (222.7 +/- 39.4 mg/dl), LDL cholesterol (147 +/- 35.1 mg/dl, triglicerydes (144.9 +/- 93.8 mg/dl) and apolipoprotein B (1.11 +/- 0.31 g/l) levels statistically higher than in the other group of neuroticism. In group 3 we find the highest glucose (96.5 +/- 7.4 mg/dl) and fibrinogen (353.8 +/- 39.2 mg/dl) levels. The worst results of the environmental inquiry were obtained in the group 2 (obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) in 25%, hypertension in 12.5%, nicotinism in 54%, low physical activity in 79% and positive to cardiovascular disease family history in 91%). Because we found correlation mostly in the group of mean level of neuroticism these results must be confirmed in the larger group of probands using other psychological tests.