Coronary-Prone Behavior as an Independent Risk Factor for Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract

To date, there has been little formal research to demonstrate that Type A’s can be changed to Type B’s. There is even less evidence to show that altering Type A behavior, if it can be effectively accomplished, will in turn reduce the incidence of recurrence of coronary disease. In the absence of these crucial experimental studies, we must be content to attempt causal inferences based on results obtained from a relatively few observational studies. In this, we encounter one of the most challenging phases of epidemiological research. The caveat “association does not imply causation” is familiar to all and serves as a warning to proceed cautiously. Nevertheless, causal interpretation plays an important role in decisions to replicate or refine observational research and in decisions to extend activity to intervention studies or programs. We are, therefore, called upon to exercise our judgment.