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Type A behaviour and coronary atherosclerosis
P Langeluddecke1, G Fulcher, M Jones
1Department of Psychiatry, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards N.S.W., Australia.
Insights
This study found no significant link between Type A behavior pattern and coronary atherosclerosis in 519 patients. Even after considering other factors, Type A behavior was not identified as a risk for this heart condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Behavioral Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Type A behavior pattern, characterized by competitiveness and hostility, has been historically linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease.
- However, empirical evidence supporting this association, particularly concerning the severity of coronary atherosclerosis, remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between the Type A behavior pattern and the presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis.
- To determine if Type A behavior is an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis in patients undergoing coronary angiography.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 519 patients undergoing coronary angiography was assessed.
- Type A behavior was measured using the Structured Interview and the Framingham questionnaire.
- Coronary atherosclerosis severity was quantified using a composite coronary occlusion index and the number of diseased coronary vessels.
Main Results:
- Univariate and subgroup analyses (males in white-collar jobs, patients with significant disease) revealed no significant association between Type A behavior and coronary atherosclerosis severity.
- Multivariate analysis identified sex, cholesterol levels, and age as significant risk factors for atherosclerosis.
- Type A behavior pattern did not emerge as a significant risk factor in the multivariate model.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support a significant relationship between the Type A behavior pattern and coronary atherosclerosis in this patient cohort.
- Established risk factors like age, cholesterol, and sex remain primary determinants of atherosclerosis.
- Further research may be needed to explore potential nuances or alternative behavioral factors influencing cardiovascular health.
Abstract:
The relation of the Type A behaviour pattern to coronary atherosclerosis was assessed in a sample of 519 coronary angiography patients. Type A measures were the Structured Interview and the Framingham questionnaire. Angiographic indices included a composite coronary occlusion index and number of coronary vessels significantly diseased. Univariate analysis involving the entire sample showed no significant relation between Type A and severity of coronary vessel disease. Analyses for two subsamples, namely males currently employed in white collar occupations and persons found to have significant disease at angiography, also failed to indicate a relationship between Type A and coronary disease. Multivariate analysis revealed sex, cholesterol and age to be risk factors for atherosclerosis; Type A behaviour was not. The implications of these findings are discussed.