Revista de enfermedades coronarias

Type D Personality as a Risk Factor for Repeated Episodes of Coronary Artery Spasm

Abstract

Leslie Rodriguez, Michael Shriner

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between Type D personality and repeated episodes of coronary artery spasm.
Design: Using a quasi-experimental design, with 44 coronary artery spasm patients, Type D and non-Type D personality patients were compared. Demographic, clinical, and psychological data was collected. Hypothesis testing, correlation matrix, single regression, multiple regression, and logistic regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between Type D personality and repeated episodes of coronary artery spasm while adjusting for demographic, clinical, and psychological factors.
Main outcome measures: This study assessed the impact of Type D personality on repeated episodes of coronary artery spasm.
Results: The probability of experiencing repeated episodes of coronary artery spasm requiring medical attention was greater among patients who had a Type D personality, d=.27, p =.022, 95% CI [.0385548, .506900], z=2.28. Patients who had a Type D personality were more likely to experience anxiety and depression disorder. Smoking was a predictor of coronary artery spasm among patients who had a Type D personality; (F(1,19) = 5.47, p = .033).
Conclusions: Type D personality is a predictor of coronary artery spasm and a risk factor for repeated episodes of coronary artery spasm requiring medical attention.