Covariation of mood and blood pressure during daily activities

The relationship between blood pressure (BP) and self-reported mood states was examined for 49 subjects in their natural environment. Subjects performed their usual activities during a 2-day period and recorded their BP using a semiautomated BP monitor at predetermined intervals. Adjective checklists describing mood states and perceptions of the environment as stressful were completed concurrent with each BP measurement. A correlational analysis of average BP and average mood state ratings was performed along with a paired t-test analysis of mood states associated with high versus low BP. The results show that holding anger in correlated positively with average SBP and negatively with average HR. Neither anger arousal nor the expression of anger arousal was able to distinguish between high and low BP readings. The Type A adjective cluster discriminated between high and low SBP as well as between high and low HR readings. The cluster of negative moods also discriminated between high and low SBP. Perceptions of the environment as hostile and demanding discriminated high versus low SBP and high versus low DBP. The discussion focuses upon the value of repeated-measures designs in examining mood/BP relationships as individuals ambulate in their natural environment.