Related Experiment Videos
Is type A behavior really a trigger for coronary heart disease events?
John E J Gallacher1, Peter M Sweetnam, John W G Yarnell
1Department of Epidemiology, Statistics and Public Health, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK. Gallacher@cf.ac.uk
Psychosomatic Medicine
|May 24, 2003
Summary
Type A behavior predicts the timing, not the occurrence, of coronary heart disease (CHD). This suggests Type A behavior increases exposure to triggers rather than causing atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Behavioral Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Type A behavior pattern (TABP) has been historically linked to coronary heart disease (CHD).
- The precise mechanisms, whether acute or chronic, by which TABP influences CHD risk remain under investigation.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the acute versus chronic mechanisms through which Type A behavior predicts incident coronary heart disease (CHD).
- To differentiate between Type A behavior influencing the likelihood versus the timing of CHD events.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 2394 men aged 50-64 years was assessed for CHD, TABP, and risk factors.
- Type A behavior was measured using the Jenkins Activity Survey (JAS), Bortner scale, and Framingham scale.
- Participants were followed for incident CHD over a 9-year period with examinations at 5 and 9 years.
Main Results:
- No overall increased risk of CHD was associated with any Type A score after 9 years.
- High Bortner scores predicted increased CHD risk at 5 years.
- High JAS and Bortner scores were associated with a decreased risk between 5 and 9 years, indicating a timing effect.
- All Type A scores showed strong inverse associations with the time to the first coronary event.
Conclusions:
- Type A behavior is a significant predictor of the timing of coronary events, not their occurrence.
- These findings suggest Type A behavior may increase exposure to acute triggers for CHD events.
- The study implies that Type A behavior's impact on CHD is more related to event precipitation than to the progression of atherosclerosis.