Psychosocial Factors and Progression From Prehypertension to Hypertension or Coronary Heart Disease

2,334 men and women aged 45 to 64 years at enrollment with prehypertension (SBP 120-139 or DBP 80-89 mm Hg), free of heart disease or stroke. US-based cohort (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC] study).

High levels of trait anger (Spielberger Trait Anger Scale score >21) or high long-term psychological stress (Maastricht Questionnaire score >12)

Low/moderate levels of trait anger (score 10-21) or low/moderate long-term psychological stress (score 0-12)

Progression from prehypertension to hypertension and progression from prehypertension to CHD or CHD death over 4 to 8 years follow-uphard clinical