P. Grossman et al., BLOOD-PRESSURE RESPONSES TO MENTAL STRESS IN EMOTIONALLY DEFENSIVE PATIENTS WITH STABLE CORONARY-ARTERY DISEASE, The American journal of cardiology, 80(3), 1997, pp. 343
Emotional defensiveness, defined by concealment of both negative emoti
ons and personal vulnerability, was substantially and consistently cor
related with the magnitude of blood pressure reactions to 2 types of m
ental stress among coronary patients, independently of clinical status
. Given recent studies denoting stress-related blood pressure surges a
s triggers of dangerous cardiovascular events, exaggerated vasomotor r
eactions among defensive patients may be of clinical significance.