Type A factors as predictors of somatic risk factors of coronary heart disease in young Finns--a six-year follow-up study

J Psychosom Res. 1990;34(1):89-97. doi: 10.1016/0022-3999(90)90011-r.

Abstract

Type A factors related to the level of somatic risk factors of coronary heart disease were studied in 1209 healthy young Finns. They were 12-, 15- and 18-year-old adolescents who were clinically examined three times within a six-year follow-up period. The risk and non-risk groups were constructed on the basis of their risk level over three testings, separately in each somatic risk variable. Type A behavior was evaluated during the six-year follow-up using the AFMS questionnaire. The results showed that of the Type A factors 'hard-driving' had the strongest association with the somatic risk level. 'Aggression-competitiveness' was also related to the risk but not very strongly. 'Impatience' was of no importance while 'engagement-involvement' was likely to be a protective factor: a low score on it correlated with the risk.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Mass Index
  • Child
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cohort Studies
  • Coronary Disease / psychology*
  • Female
  • Finland
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Development*
  • Psychophysiologic Disorders / psychology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Type A Personality*

Substances

  • Cholesterol