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Behavioral and cardiovascular responses to interpersonal challenges among male offspring of essential hypertensives
1Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown 26506.
Insights
Men with a family history of hypertension (FH+) show heightened cardiovascular reactivity and more negative behaviors during interpersonal challenges compared to those without (FH-). This suggests a link between hypertension family history and stress responses.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular physiology
- Behavioral science
- Hypertension research
Background:
- Family history of hypertension (FH+) is a risk factor for developing the condition.
- Individuals with FH+ may exhibit altered physiological and behavioral responses to stress.
- Understanding these responses can inform early detection and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cardiovascular, cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses to interpersonal stress in men with and without a family history of hypertension (FH+ vs. FH-).
Main Methods:
- Recruited 20 FH+ and 20 FH- men.
- Measured heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) during laboratory sessions.
- Assessed self-reported cognitions, anger, and anxiety.
- Videotaped and coded behavioral responses (positive/negative verbal/nonverbal).
Main Results:
- FH+ individuals displayed significantly higher resting HR and systolic BP (SBP) reactivity during interpersonal challenges compared to FH- individuals.
- FH+ group exhibited more negative verbal/nonverbal behaviors and less positive nonverbal behavior during interactions.
- No significant differences in self-reported cognitions, anger, or anxiety were found between groups.
Conclusions:
- A positive family history of hypertension is associated with exaggerated cardiovascular reactivity and a more negative behavioral response pattern to interpersonal stress.
- These findings highlight potential physiological and behavioral markers in individuals at risk for hypertension.
Abstract:
Behavioral, cardiovascular, and self-report of cognitive and affective responses to 2 interpersonal challenges were examined among 20 men with a positive (FH+) and 20 with a negative (FH-) family history of hypertension. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured throughout the laboratory session; Ss were requested to self-report positive and negative cognitions, state anger, and state anxiety that occurred during interactions with a male and female confederate. Behavioral responses to interpersonal tasks were videotaped, coded, and categorized into 4 major groupings (positive verbal, positive nonverbal, negative verbal, and negative nonverbal). FH+ individuals exhibited significantly higher resting HR and systolic BP (SBP) reactivity to both interactions than FH- counterparts. Analyses of behavioral responses for both interactions revealed significantly more negative verbal and nonverbal behavior and less positive nonverbal behavior among FH+ as compared with FH-Ss.