TYPE-A FACTORS AS PREDICTORS OF CHANGES IN THE METABOLIC SYNDROME PRECURSORS IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG-ADULTS - A 3-YEAR FOLLOW-UP-STUDY

The predictive associations of Type A factors with changes in some ess ential parameters of the cluster of disorders known as metabolic syndr ome (Syndrome X) were studied during a 3-year follow-up period in 1,14 7 randomly selected healthy adolescents and young adults. Type A behav ior was measured with the Hunter Wolf A-B Rating Scale. Physiological parameters studied were serum insulin, high-density and low-density li poprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), systolic and diastolic bloo d pressure, body-mass index (BMI), subscapular skinfold thickness (SSF ), and centrality index. Among the Type A factors in boys and men, hig h baseline Aggression predicted an increase in the individual paramete rs of metabolic syndrome (i.e., insulin, TG, SSF, and BMI) as well as a global aggravation of the cluster of metabolic parameters. In girls and women, increases in Eagerness-Energy and Responsibility across the 3 years of follow-up predicted an increase in serum insulin and a dec rease in SSF, respectively.