OBJECTIVE: We examined the Type A behavior across developmental periods as a predictor of adult carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective cohort study of 408 men and 606 women, socioeconomic background and biological risk factors of participants were assessed at baseline at age 6 to 18 years of age, Type A behavior (Hunter-Wolf A-B Rating Scale) at the 6-, 9-, and 21-year follow-ups (subjects being 12 to 24, 15 to 27, and 27 to 39 years, respectively), and carotid IMT, adulthood socioeconomic situation, and biological risk factors at the 21-year follow-up when participants were at age 27 to 39 years of age. In men, the eagerness-energy component of Type A behavior, measured at any time point, was associated with thicker carotid IMT (P<0.008, P<0.04, P<0.03, and P<0.02 for the first, second, and third assessment, and for the average score, respectively), and this association was independent of early and adult risk factors. In women, the hard-driving component at baseline (P<0.04) but not later was independently related to thinner carotid IMT. The other components of Type A behavior (impatience-aggression and leadership) were not associated with IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Eagerness-energy component of Type A behavior over different developmental transitions seems to be a robust predictor of IMT in men.
OBJECTIVE: We examined the Type A behavior across developmental periods as a predictor of adult carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this prospective cohort study of 408 men and 606 women, socioeconomic background and biological risk factors of participants were assessed at baseline at age 6 to 18 years of age, Type A behavior (Hunter-Wolf A-B Rating Scale) at the 6-, 9-, and 21-year follow-ups (subjects being 12 to 24, 15 to 27, and 27 to 39 years, respectively), and carotid IMT, adulthood socioeconomic situation, and biological risk factors at the 21-year follow-up when participants were at age 27 to 39 years of age. In men, the eagerness-energy component of Type A behavior, measured at any time point, was associated with thicker carotid IMT (P<0.008, P<0.04, P<0.03, and P<0.02 for the first, second, and third assessment, and for the average score, respectively), and this association was independent of early and adult risk factors. In women, the hard-driving component at baseline (P<0.04) but not later was independently related to thinner carotid IMT. The other components of Type A behavior (impatience-aggression and leadership) were not associated with IMT. CONCLUSIONS:Eagerness-energy component of Type A behavior over different developmental transitions seems to be a robust predictor of IMT in men.
Authors: Xiaolin Yang; Risto Telama; Mirja Hirvensalo; Taina Hintsa; Laura Pulkki-Råback; Mirka Hintsanen; Liisa Keltikangas-Järvinen; Jorma S A Viikari; Olli T Raitakari Journal: Int J Behav Med Date: 2012-03
Authors: Helena M Service; Mirka Hintsanen; Taina Hintsa; Terho Lehtimäki; Olli T Raitakari; Jorma S Viikari; Liisa Keltikangas-Järvinen Journal: Behav Brain Funct Date: 2008-09-17 Impact factor: 3.759