Type A behavior and physiologic coronary risk factors in children of the family heart study: results from a 1-year follow-up.

Although Type A behavior is recognized as an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, little is known about its antecedents. The present study investigated relationships of Type A behavior as assessed by the Hunter-Wolf rating scale to physiologic coronary risk factors in children ranging from 8 to 15 years of age. In addition, gender differences and the stability of Type A behavior and physiologic risk factors were examined. Consistent with data based on adult samples, Type A behavior was generally unrelated to physiologic coronary risk factors and appears to be as stable as the other risk factors. There were no gender differences in either Type A behavior or other coronary risk factors.