Evaluation of type A personality in hypertensive patients referring to educational and treatment center of outpatient clinics of Sina and Shahid Madani in Tabriz

prevalence of hypertension is about 11% among Iranian population. Many factors such as psychological stress, smoking, and type A personality influence the prevalence of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to evaluate type A personality in hypertensive patients. This was a descriptive study. Among 500 patients referring to the cardiology clinics of Sina and Shahid Madani Hospitals in Tabriz, one hundred hypertensive patients were selected by simple sampling method in a period of two months. Demographic data collected and after securing patients` consents, personality questionnaires (TAQ) were filled out. Data entry and analysis performed by means of SPSS statistical software. Fifty males and females were included in this study, mean age were 57±11 and 57±8 for men and women respectively. Systolic blood pressures were in the range of 120-210 mmHg, with a mean value of 157±17.5 Mean blood pressure (BP) was 158/90 mmHg in men and 159/92 mmHg in women accordingly. Prevalence rates of type A and B personalities in hypertensive patients were 54% and 38% respectively which showed a significant statistical difference. This study showed a high prevalence rate of type A personality in hypertensive patients. We recommend assessment of personality type of hypertensive patients and inclusion of supportive psychiatric measures in the treatment of patients with type A personality as an adjunctive treatment for hypertension.