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Hostility, CHD incidence, and total mortality: a 25-year follow-up study of 255 physicians
Insights
High hostility levels predict coronary artery disease and mortality. This 25-year study of medical students found that elevated hostility scores on the MMPI scale are linked to increased risk of heart disease and death.
Area of Science:
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Cardiovascular Health
- Longitudinal Health Studies
Background:
- Hostility, measured by the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) hostility scale (Ho), has been previously linked to coronary atherosclerosis.
- Understanding the long-term health implications of psychological traits is crucial for preventative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of hostility levels for long-term health outcomes.
- To examine the association between MMPI Ho scores and subsequent coronary disease incidence and overall mortality over 25 years.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 255 medical students completed the MMPI during their studies.
- Hostility levels were assessed using the MMPI Ho scale.
- Participants were followed for 25 years to track clinical coronary disease incidence and total mortality.
Main Results:
- High scores on the MMPI Ho scale were significantly associated with an increased incidence of clinical coronary disease.
- Elevated hostility levels were also found to be a predictor of higher total mortality over the 25-year follow-up period.
- These findings confirm and extend previous research on the link between hostility and cardiovascular health.
Conclusions:
- Hostility, as measured by the MMPI Ho scale, is a significant risk factor for developing coronary artery disease.
- High hostility is a predictor of long-term mortality, highlighting its importance in cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Psychological factors like hostility warrant consideration in comprehensive health evaluations and preventative strategies.
Abstract:
High levels of hostility as assessed by a MMPI scale (Ho) have been found associated with increased levels of arteriographically documented coronary atherosclerosis. In this study we examined the relationship between hostility and subsequent health status in a 25-year follow-up of 255 medical students who completed the MMPI while in medical school. High Ho scores were found to be predictive of both clinical coronary disease incidence and total mortality.