Type A behavior and alcohol consumption: effects on resting and post-exercise bleeding time thromboxane and...

The vasoactive eicosanoids, prostacyclin and thromboxane, are thought to play an important role in the genesis of cardiovascular disease. Since an altered basal production of these eicosanoids among individuals exhibiting the Type A behavior pattern had previously been observed by the authors, the present study evaluated the extent to which the TABP-eicosanoid relationship would be altered by two lifestyle variables known to affect platelet activity: alcohol consumption and stressful physical activity. 55 male participants aged 18-25 years, participated in the study. They were classified as either Type A or Type B on the basis of the Structured Interview and as either moderate, heavy, or abstinent alcohol drinkers. Bleeding times were performed and bleeding time thromboxane and prostacyclin metabolites were measured in all subjects both before and following treadmill exercise. The results indicated that following exercise, Type A participants, who reported moderate alcohol intake, had decreased levels of thromboxane B2 formation relative to Type As reporting heavy consumption. Further, prostacyclin production, measured as the primary metabolite, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, was significantly suppressed following exercise among drinkers as compared with participants reporting abstinence. These results were discussed in relation to the proposition that moderate alcohol consumption reduces coronary heart disease risk.