Hard-Driving Type A

In a study of 990 young men and women, University of Helsinki psychologists Lusa Keltikangas-Jarvinen and Katri Raikkonen found that Type-A’s whose hearts are endangered as they climb higher and higher are those who tend to be unsociable, with behavior that is rooted in aggression, hostility and impatience. They are generally low in self-confidence and have difficulty setting goals for themselves. These subjects had elevated pulse rates and higher levels of serum lipids (total cholesterol; LDL, or “bad” cholesterol; and triglycerides, other blood chemicals linked to clogged arteries).

On the other hand, Type A’s who aren’t headed for heart disease have “healthy ambition,” are more social and have in common what researcher call “leadership and a sense of responsibility.” Not surprisingly, they have positive views of themselves. For both groups, spending time with friends appears to be a key longevity prescription, especially for hard-on-their-hearts Type A’s.

Vol 10 Issue 3 page 5