Psychosocial correlates of atrial natriuretic peptide: a marker of vascular health.

Background: Psychosocial factors have been associated with cardiovascular outcomes, but few studies have examined the association between psychosocial function and natriuretic peptides.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the predictive value of hostility, anger, and social support in relation to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a marker of vascular health, among middle-aged men.

Methods: One hundred twenty-one men (mean age = 39.8 years, SD = 4.1) underwent assessments of ANP and completed the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale, the Spielberger State-Trait Anger Scale, and the Interview Schedule for Social Interaction.

Results: Higher levels of hostility (β = 0.22 [95 % CI 0.04, 0.40], P = 0.032) and trait anger (β = 0.18 [95 % CI 0.01, 0.37], P = 0.044) were associated with greater ANP levels. In contrast, higher perceived social support was also associated with lower ANP levels, (β = -0.19 [95 % CI -0.05, -0.41], P = 0.010).

Conclusions: Psychosocial factors, including hostility, anger, and social support, are associated with varying ANP levels among middle-aged men, independent of cardiovascular and behavioral risk factors.