[Hormonal and psychophysiologic responses under conditions of experimental stress in subjects with essential arterial hypertension].

Two sex balanced groups of 6 subjects each (hypertensive patients vs normotensive subjects) were monitored for both biochemical and psychophysiological variables under stress (PRA, Adrenal Corticosteroid, Aldosterone, HR and Blood Pressure). A computed controlled RT procedure was employed as stress stimulation. The results suggest that different coping mechanisms are present in hypertensives and normotensives. Hypertensives were more emotionally involved and less efficient in stimulus habituation. Biochemical mechanisms have been hypothesized to explain these differences.