1. Psycho-emotional profiles were compared with invasive haemodynamic findings in a population sample of 37 young men (mean age 27 years) with mild blood pressure elevation and in 21 matched normotensive controls.
2. In comparison with normotensive controls, subjects with hyperkinetic blood pressure elevation had higher irritability levels, more guilt feelings and more psychic distressful symptoms.
3. In subjects with blood pressure elevation and normokinetic circulation structural vascular changes were found, and their psycho-emotional profiles showed high irritability levels but not significantly increased guilt or anxiety.
4. These results indicate a relationship between psychological factors and haemodynamic patterns in mild blood pressure elevation. A psychosomatic aetiology in hyperkinetic blood pressure elevation is suggested, and the psychological findings are compatible with a gradual development from hyperkinetic to normokinetic blood pressure elevation.
