Peculiarities of autonomic regulation and anxiety level in schoolchildren with primary hypertension

Abstract

Background. An imbalance of the autonomic nervous system, or a syndrome of autonomic dysfunction, is a pathological condition characterized by a violation of the autonomic regulation of the functions of internal organs, blood vessels, and metabolic processes. This is a polymorphic pathology in which various organs and systems in children suffer, but the dominant role in the clinical picture is given to the cardiovascular disorders that is manifested by an increase of blood pressure. The purpose of the study: to assess the state of the autonomic nervous system and the level of anxiety in children with primary hypertension. Materials and methods. Forty-three children of high school age were examined. The main group included 21 children with a confirmed diagnosis of primary hypertension, and the control group — 22 children with a normal blood pressure level. The state of the autonomic nervous system was assessed using the Wayne A.M. questionnaire. The level of anxiety was evaluated according to the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results. Evaluation of the level of anxiety revealed that the average level of reactive anxiety in children of the main group on the STAI was 37.3 points, which indicated a moderate level, while in the children of the control group it was low (26.6 points). The average level of personal anxiety in children of the main group was 42.6 points, which actually indicated an increase in the general level of anxiety, in the control group this indicator was low and amounted to 28.7 points (p < 0.005). Conclusions. In children with hypertension, autonomic dysfunction with a predominance of sympathicotonia is more likely to be observed, which indicates a deep pathogenetic connection between an increase in blood pressure and disorders of the autonomic nervous system. Children with hypertension probably have a higher level of personal anxiety compared to those with normal blood pressure, which must be taken into account in the treatment and prevention of this disease.