Italian male managers had significantly higher smoking rates (51% vs 14%), more hostility, and lower protective biochemical parameters (DHEA-S and apolipoprotein A-I) than American managers.
Cross-Sectional (n=209)
Yes
Are there differences in psychological, behavioral, and biochemical risk factors for CAD between American and Italian male corporate managers?
Italian male corporate managers exhibit a more unhealthy psychological, behavioral, and biochemical risk profile for CAD compared to their American counterparts.
Differences in psychological, behavioral and biochemical risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) among male corporate managers of 2 countries (United States and Italy), with very different age-specific rates of mortality for CAD were evaluated. In all, 129 American (mean age 43 +/- 7 years) and 80 Italian (mean age 45 +/- 7 years) managers volunteered to participate in this study. Each subject was administered several questionnaires assessing various psychological and behavioral risk factors for CAD, and all 129 Americans and SS of 80 Italians had their blood drawn between 8:00 and 9:30 Am after overnight fasting for the measurement of plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), total cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoproteins A-I and B. Italian managers reported significantly more cynicism and hostility, and less enjoyment in leisure activities than did American ones. Furthermore, 40 Italian (51%) and only 18 American (14%) managers were smokers (this difference being statistically significant). Although no significant differences were found in factors positively related with CAD (cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B), there were clear differences in parameters inversely correlated with the incidence of CAD. Italian managers had significantly lower levels of plasma DHEA-S and apolipoprotein A-I than did American ones. In conclusion, this study found that Italian managers had a significantly more unhealthy psychological and behavioral profile than did American ones, and had lower levels of those biochemical parameters (apolipoprotein A-I and DHEA-S) thought to have a protective role against development of CAD.
M et al. (1992) conducted a cross-sectional in Coronary artery disease risk factors (n=209). Italian managers vs. American managers was evaluated on Psychological, behavioral and biochemical risk factors for CAD. Italian male managers had significantly higher smoking rates (51% vs 14%), more hostility, and lower protective biochemical parameters (DHEA-S and apolipoprotein A-I) than American managers.