Alexithymia, hypertension, and subclinical atherosclerosis in the general population

作者：Grabe Hans Joergen^*; Schwahn Christian; Barnow Sven; Spitzer Carsten; John Ulrich; Freyberger Harald J; Schminke Ulf; Felix Stephan; Voelzke Henry

来源：Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 2010, 68(2): 139-147.

DOI：10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.07.015

• Alexithymia
• TAS-20
• Hypertension
• Carotid atherosclerosis
• Study of health in pomerania
• Type A personality
• Type D personality

Objectives: As a personality trait, alexithymia is assumed to present a longstanding risk factor for emotional dysregulation that also affects the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, we hypothesize that alexithymia is associated with hypertension and carotid atherosclerosis in the general population. Methods: A total of 1168 subjects (age <65 years) from the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) were eligible for complete case analyses. Alexithymia was assessed with the 20-item Toronto-Alexithymia-Scale (TAS-20). An extensive interview and physical examination were performed. Extracranial carotid arteries were examined bilaterally with B-mode ultrasonography. Regression models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and classical risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and mental distress. Results: In the adjusted logistic regression models, alexithymia was significantly associated with hypertension (OR=1.60; 95% CI=1.14-2.25) and with atherosclerotic plaques (OR=1.70; 95% CI=1.14-2.54). Hypertension changed the effect of alexithymia on atherosclerosis only marginally (OR=1.76 to 1.70). Conclusion: Alexithymia may represent a relevant and independent risk factor for hypertension and carotid atherosclerosis at the population level. None of the putative confounders mediated a relevant proportion of the risk. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this association.

• 出版日期2010-2