[Psychological links and coronary diseases. II. Psychological correlations of certain physiological variables...

In this study, correlations were tabulated between physiological and psychological measurements drawn from a group of 21 infarct patients and a matching group of 21 normal subjects. The physiological variables taken under consideration are the number of platelets, the beta-lipoproteines and the systolic blood pressure; all these variables were tested under stress and at rest. On the top, fibrinogene at rest, cortisol under stress and heart rate under conditions of "intake" and "rejection" were also measured. The psychological assessment was achieved by the MMPI. Several psychological traits link with physiological parameters to be considered as cardiovascular risks. However, these links are mostly specific; moreover, they vary under different experimental conditions. In other words, different neuro-behavioral patterns seem to operate at rest and under stress. The links between psychological and physiological variables vary also between normal subjects and infarct patients. Normal subjects as well as infarct patients show a relationship between neurotic traits and genuine physiological reactions. However, among the formers, these neurotic traits are in closer relationship with inhibitions as among heart patients. Psychological risk factors in cardiovascular disorders appear to be related with a genuine expression of conflictual affects leading to inadequate physiological responses; when these reactions are repeated in time, functional disorders may induce organic lesions.