Impact of Pattern A behavior on ischemic heart disease when controlling for conventional risk indicators

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychosomatic Medicine
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Pattern A behavior is a personality construct characterized by competitiveness, time urgency, and hostility.
• Previous research suggests a link between Pattern A behavior and cardiovascular disease.
• Understanding the independent contribution of Pattern A behavior to ischemic heart disease (IHD) is crucial for risk stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Pattern A behavior and the presence of manifest ischemic heart disease (IHD) in Swedish men.
• To determine if Pattern A behavior independently predicts IHD risk after controlling for conventional risk factors.

Main Methods:

• A structured interview was used to assess Pattern A behavior in three groups of Swedish men: those with manifest IHD, those with IHD risk indicators, and healthy controls.
• Participants underwent examinations for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, obesity, impaired pulmonary function, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
• A multivariate confounder score was employed to control for conventional risk indicators.

Main Results:

• The relative risk of developing clinical IHD was four times greater in men exhibiting Pattern A behavior compared to those without it.
• After adjusting for conventional risk indicators, the relative risk associated with Pattern A behavior was reduced but remained significant at 2.7.
• Conventional risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking were also prevalent in the IHD groups.

Conclusions:

• Pattern A behavior is a significant independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD).
• The findings underscore the importance of considering behavioral patterns in cardiovascular risk assessment.
• Further research may explore interventions targeting behavioral modification to mitigate IHD risk.