HOSTILITY AND THE RESPONSE TO DIURETIC IN MILD-TO-MODERATE HYPERTENSION

Forty-two patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension between the ages of 35 and 65 (23 men, 19 women) were studied to determine whether psy chological characteristics can help differentiate between responders a nd nonresponders to diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg and triamteren e 50 mg). To qualify for inclusion in the study, the subjects were req uired to have a mean unmedicated clinic diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between 95 and 110 mm Hg. Positive response to diuretic was defined a s a reduction in clinic DBP less than or equal to 90 mm Hg. Of the 42 subjects, 22 were responders to diuretic, achieving a BP level of 129/ 86 mm Hg, a reduction of 16/11 mm Hg from their unmedicated level. Non responders achieved a reduction of 8/4 mm Hg. Compared with nonrespond ers, responders were characterized by slightly lower initial BP levels and significantly lower scores on the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory and several subscales of this test. The pattern of results indicated higher levels of suppressed hostility in the nonrespenders. Ambulatory BP data paralleled the clinic BP changes.