[Type A behavior and cardiovascular reactivity. Preliminary findings]

In view of reports of a connection between ischaemic cardiopathies and "A" type behaviour, the response of certain cardiocirculatory parameters to given physical stimuli was investigated in a group of people doing high stress work. The data did in fact reveal a tendency to more pronounced cardiovascular reactivity in the A group, a difference that was statistically significant in the cold pressor and cold tests. The possible links between enhanced vasomotor response and increased risk of coronary heart disease are pointed out with emphasis on recent hypotheses about the possible pathogenic role of enhanced 5-OH-tryptamine release and particular alterations in the alpha/beta adrenergic receptor balance.