Relationship of Emotional Intelligence with Pre-Hypertension and its Impact on Autonomic Nervous System as Assessed by Heart Rate Variability in Adult Males

Objectives To compare emotional intelligence score in normotensives and pre-hypertensives. To compare emotional intelligence score with heart rate variability (HRV) To compare HRV in normotensives and pre-hypertensives. Methodology 30 pre-hypertensive males and 30 age matched controls of 25-50years of age were enrolled. BP was measured using mercury sphygmomanometer. Pre-hypertension was defined as systolic BP from 121 to 139mm Hg or diastolic BP from 80 to 89mm Hg. Emotional intelligence was measured by Schutte Self-Reported Emotional Intelligence Test and subjects were categorized into two groups: Group A: Low EI (Score <111), Group B: High EI (Score >111) HRV was measured in the supine position for 5 minutes. Frequency domain parameters viz HFnu and LF/HF ratio were used for analysis of autonomic dominance. Results Mean EI score was significantly less in pre-hypertensives as compared to controls. Low EI subjects had a significantly lower mean HFnu and a significantly higher mean LF/HF ratio showing lower parasympathetic and higher sympathetic activity in them. Pre-hypertensives had lower mean HFnu and higher LF/HF ratio showing lower parasympathetic and higher sympathetic activity in them. Conclusions Low EI subjects are more prone to develop pre-hypertension, had lower parasympathetic & higher sympathetic activity increasing the risk to develop hypertension in future. Clinical Significance Beside life style modification, improving EI is an important measure to manage pre hypertension and prevent hypertension.