Specificity of personality traits in borderline hypertension.

Patients with borderline hypertension tend to suppress expression of anger and hostility. However, if anything, they are psychologically hyperresponsive. The blood pressure elevation is maintained neurogenically in many with borderline hypertension. Consequently, it is tempting to postulate that suppressed anger causes neurogenic increases in blood pressure. Available data are inadequate to substantiate this hypothesis. It is equally plausible that neurogenic factors affect emotions, behavior and blood pressure. The terms specificity and directionality are introduced and defined to facilitate a better understanding of this important area of research.