3C.06

Abstract

Objective: The aim of our study was to determine relationship between emotional intelligence (EI), psychological status (PS) and mean ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) level, white coat effect (WCE) in untreated patients with arterial hypertension (AH). Design and method: We analyzed 150 ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) data of AH patients without serious concomitant diseases. ABPM monitor (Spacelabs 90207) was applied after the washout period. We defined daytime period as 8.00–22.00 (BPd), nighttime – 0.00–6.00 (BPn). After ABPM session patients completed the PS and EI questionnaire: “Minnesota Multiphase Personality Inventory” (MMPI) and “EmIn Questionnaire” (by Lyusin D.). We assessed following EmIn scale scores: I - emotion self-awareness; II- management of one's own emotions; III - control of emotional expression; IV - understanding others’ emotions; V - management of others’ emotions. We used Spearman Partial Coefficient for correlation (r) analysis adjusted for age, sex and duration of AH. Results: The mean daytime systolic BP (SBP) was 139.1 ± 12.7, diastolic (DBP) - 83.1 ± 9.9 mm Hg (M ± SD). We found the following correlations (p > 0.05): 1) 9 MMPI scale scores (energy, optimism, good mood) with WCE for SBP (r = -0.28) and mean clinical SBP (r = -0.25); 2) III scale scores (control of emotional expression) with WCE for DBP (r = -0.24); 3) I scale scores (emotion self-awareness) with mean clinical SBP (r = 0.27); 4) IV scale scores (understanding others’ emotions) with mean clinical DBP and SBP (r = 0.34, r = 0.31) and with mean ambulatory DBP and SBP. For mean 24 hours SBP, SBPd r = 0.25 and r = 0.25, for 24 hours DBP, DBPd, DBPn r = 0.30, r = 0.29, r = 0.24 respectively. Energy, optimism, good mood (9 MMPI scale scores) and good emotion self-control levels (I scale scores) had a negative correlation with WCE levels and mean clinical SBP. Perception of own or other people's emotions (II and IV scale scores) positively correlated with levels of clinical and ambulatory BP. Conclusions: Energy, optimism, good mood and good emotion self-control in AH patients at the clinic may reduce WCE and mean clinical SBP levels. Excessive perception of their own or other people's emotions (II and IV scale scores) can lead to increased clinical and ambulatory BP levels.