Hostility and its association with behaviorally induced and somatic coronary risk indicators in finnish adolescents and young adults

The association of hostility to behaviorally induced (i.e. smoking behavior, alcohol consumption and physical activity) and somatic coronary risk indicators (i.e. LDL- and HDL-cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and obesity) was studied in a randomly selected representative sample of healthy adolescents and young adults (n = 1609). The question was whether the association, previously found between hostility and CHD incidence could be confirmed between hostility and CHD risk level in healthy young subjects. Results indicate that hostility is unrelated to somatic coronary risk factors, while an association with behaviorally induced risk factors was found. This association was, however, mediated by gender: current and heavy smoking, and physical inactivity were reported more commonly by hostile women, while frequent drinking by hostile men. These findings were replicated in a 3-year follow-up.