Coronary-prone behavior. Type A behavior revisited.

On the basis of prospective population studies that found a relationship between Type A behavior and cardiac morbidity and mortality independent of traditional risk factors, Type A behavior was declared a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. However, subsequent studies of individuals with multiple risk factors or established cardiovascular disease failed to support this association consistently. Attempts to identify toxic subcomponents of Type A behavior have supported an association between hostility and cardiac morbidity and mortality. There is evidence that Type A men are physiologically reactive in challenging situations and that behavioral programs, in combination with cardiac counseling, can reduce recurrent morbidity and mortality.