Psychosocial Correlates of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide: A Marker of Vascular Health

Abstract

Psychosocial factors have been associated with cardiovascular outcomes, but few studies have examined the association between psychosocial function and natriuretic peptides. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictive value of hostility, anger, and social support in relation to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a marker of vascular health, among middle-aged men. One hundred twenty-one men (mean age = 39.8 years, SD = 4.1) underwent assessments of ANP and completed the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale, the Spielberger State-Trait Anger Scale, and the Interview Schedule for Social Interaction. Higher levels of hostility (β = 0.22 [95 % CI 0.04, 0.40], P = 0.032) and trait anger (β = 0.18 [95 % CI 0.01, 0.37], P = 0.044) were associated with greater ANP levels. In contrast, higher perceived social support was also associated with lower ANP levels, (β = -0.19 [95 % CI -0.05, -0.41], P = 0.010). Psychosocial factors, including hostility, anger, and social support, are associated with varying ANP levels among middle-aged men, independent of cardiovascular and behavioral risk factors.