Stress-related hemodynamic response in healthy young individuals with Type D personality

Abstract

Aim. To investigate the association between the stress-related hemodynamic response during the mental calculation test (MCT) and the presence of Type D personality in healthy young individuals. Material and methods. The study included 80 healthy individuals (19 men and 61 women; mean age 18,8±0,2 years). Psychological status examination included the DS-14 scale, depression scale, and Spielberger-Khanin scale. MCT was performed with simultaneous assessment of hemodynamic response. Results. Type D personality (distressed type) was observed in 32,5% of the participants. Among young students, Type D personality was associated with higher levels of trait and state anxiety (TA and SA), as well as higher depression scale scores, compared to students without Type D personality. Type D personality was also linked to a more pronounced response of systolic blood pressure (SBP) during MCT (p=0,05). There was a strong correlation between social inhibition levels and maximal heart rate (HR) during MCT (r=-0,238; p=0,034). Young men demonstrated a moderate correlation between Type D personality and HR response (r=-0,508; p=0,026), as well as between negative affectivity levels and HR response during MCT (r=0,469; p=0,043). Conclusion. Distressed personality type was observed in one-third of healthy young participants of the study. Type D personality and its subscales correlated with the hemodynamic response during MCT, with some gender-specific features observed. These findings clarify potential mechanisms of Type D personality effects on the development and prognosis of cardiovascular disease.