Influence of the emotional disturbances on arterial stiffness index and cardiovascular risk in pre-hypertensive patients

Introduction: Psychological stress is a contributing cause of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Anxiety and depression are among the psychological factors more influencing blood pressure. Objectives: To determine the influence of emotional disturbances on arterial stiffness index and cardiovascular risk of pre-hypertensive patients. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 48 pre-hypertensive patients. Emotional disturbances, global cardiovascular risk and arterial stiffness index were evaluated. The photoplethysmography technique with an ANGIODIN digital plethysmograph was used to record the arterial pulse wave in the first toe of the right lower limb. Results: Pre-hypertensive patients with emotional disturbances had higher body weight, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness index than those without these emotional disturbances. A positive Cornell test was found in 58.3% of pre-hypertensive patients: 39.6% of women and 18.8% of men. The relationship between the presence of emotional disturbances and moderate cardiovascular risk was highly significant (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Emotional disturbances in pre-hypertensive patients are associated with an increase in arterial stiffness and an increased global cardiovascular risk.