Serum lipids and their relationships with hostility and angry affect and behaviors in men

Research into the relationship between the Type A behavior pattern and coronary heart disease suggests that the anger-hostility-aggression (AHA!) syndrome is directly related to total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins. The present study involved an investigation of the specific components of the AHA! syndrome related to blood lipid levels in 98 healthy men. The disposition to experience and express anger when frustrated, criticized, or treated unfairly (angry reaction, a component of trait anger) was related to total serum cholesterol and to low-density lipoprotein levels. Age and diet also predicted levels of these lipids, but each was unrelated to angry reaction. These results suggest that in healthy men, the experience of strong angry affect in reaction to perceived rejection, criticism, or unfair treatment may be health-toxic because of its relationship to elevated unfavorable serum lipids.