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Angina pectoris in type A and type B cardiac patients
Francis J Keefe1, Patricia J Castell, James A Blumenthal
1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710 U.S.A.
Pain
|November 1, 1986
Summary
Type A behavior pattern patients with heart disease report more severe pain and functional limitations. They also use fewer pain coping strategies compared to Type B patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychology
Background:
- Type A behavior pattern is a known risk factor for coronary heart disease.
- This pattern includes competitiveness, time urgency, aggressiveness, and a need for recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in pain experience and coping strategies between Type A and Type B cardiac patients.
- To assess if personality type influences pain perception and management in heart disease.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of Type A (n=35) and Type B (n=19) cardiac patients.
- Utilized diagnostic treadmill testing and various pain measures.
- Assessed pain and functional limitation using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional angina scale.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in age, sex, anxiety, or cardiac disease severity between Type A and Type B groups.
- Type A patients reported more severe pain and functional limitations (NYHA scale).
- Type A patients were less likely to employ pain coping strategies.
Conclusions:
- Type A personality traits may influence pain and functional impairment assessments in cardiac patients.
- Type A patients may benefit from structured pain management and coping skills training.
- Further research is needed on the impact of Type A-B differences on coronary morbidity and mortality risks.