Serum lipids and their relationships with hostility and angry affect and behaviors in men

Research into the relationship between the Type A behavior pattern and coro nary heart disease suggests that the anger-hostility-aggression (AHA!) synd rome is directly related to total serum cholesterol and low-density lipopro teins. The present study involved an investigation of the specific componen ts of the AHA! syndrome related to blood lipid levels in 98 healthy men. Th e disposition to experience and express anger when frustrated, criticized, or treated unfairly (angry reaction, a component of trait anger) was relate d to total serum cholesterol and to low-density lipoprotein levels. Age and diet also predicted levels of these lipids, but each was unrelated to angr y reaction. These results suggest that in healthy men, the experience of st rong angry affect in reaction to perceived rejection, criticism, or unfair treatment may be health-toxic because of its relationship to elevated unfav orable serum lipids.