Psychological Aspects of Hypertension: II. The Differential Influence of Interview Variables on Blood Pressure

The blood pressure responses of normotensive and hypertensive subjects to a three-phase experimental interview situation were recorded. The greatest elevations occurred in both groups during a personal discussion phase, and the elevation was more pronounced among the hypertensive subjects. These results, although based upon a small sample, raise questions about the reliability of clinical blood pressure determinations conducted during or following a medical interview.