Negative feelings (discontent) predict progress of intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in treated hypertensive men at high cardiovascular risk

A number of psychosocial factors have been identified as cardiovascular risk factors. The purpose of the present study was to examine, in a prospective study, whether quality of life, as measured by the minor symptoms evaluation profile, was associated with progression of the intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery in a group of treated hypertensive men at high risk of cardiovascular disease (n = 97). Patients with any cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, intermittent claudication, or stroke) at entry felt significantly more discontent, compared with patients without signs or symptoms of cardiovascular disease. The change in maximum intima-media thickness during the follow-up period was associated with discontent at entry (r = 0.23, P =.03). The relationship between the change in maximum intima-media thickness and discontent at entry remained significant (P =.02) after adjusting for serum-cholesterol and concomitant cardiovascular disease. In conclusion, discontent in treated hypertensive men at high cardiovascular risk was significantly and independently associated with an increase in maximum intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery. This finding suggests that the experience of well-being may influence the atherosclerotic process.