Key result
Type A behavior fails to increase post-MI death or recurrence, though behavioral reduction may help.
Why the study?
The relationship between type A behaviour pattern and post-myocardial infarction morbidity and mortality remains unclear and requires synthesis of existing evidence.
Ten studies, involving a total of 5826 patients, on type A and post-infarct morbidity/mortality are reviewed. Persons who were assessed to be type A before or shortly after infarction appear not to be at greater risk for death or recurrent cardiac morbidity in the first years subsequent to infarction. In fact they may enjoy lower risk. Persons who show large reductions in type A behaviour likely suffer fewer cardiac recurrences than those who do not. A conceptualization of type A as a modifiable cardiac risk factor which people are inclined to lessen after suffering infarction, is consonant with the findings. An intriguing finding that type A MI-survivors have a greater risk for sudden cardiac death than do non-type A persons awaits replication.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Cohen et al. (1997) conducted a review in Myocardial infarction (n=5,826). Type A behaviour pattern vs. Non-type A behaviour pattern was evaluated on Death or recurrent cardiac morbidity. Type A behavior pattern before or shortly after myocardial infarction does not increase risk for death or recurrent cardiac morbidity, and those who reduce this behavior may suffer fewer recurrences.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: