Prevalence and Correlates of Type D Personality among Survivors following Acute Myocardial Infarction in a Tertiary Care Center in South India

Abstract

Background Type D personality, described as a consistent tendency to experience increased levels of social inhibition and negative affectivity, has a robust association with negative outcomes following myocardial infarction (MI). However, little is known about its determinants in our setting. Our aim was to assess the prevalence and correlates of Type D personality among survivors following acute MI (AMI). Methods Two hundred participants with AMI were recruited over an 18-month period. Type D scale-14 was used to evaluate the presence of Type D personality. Apart from sociodemographic factors, depression, anxiety, stress, coping, personality, quality of life, and perceived social support were assessed using standard measures. Results Type D personality was present in 24% of samples (n = 48). In multivariate Poisson regression analysis, younger age (prevalence ratio [PR]: 0.950, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.927–0.974), high depression (PR: 1.372, 95% CI: 1.216–1.548), and low family support (PR: 0.898, 95% CI: 0.849–0.949) emerged as independent predictors of Type D personality in participants with AMI. Conclusion Type D personality is seen in a significant proportion of AMI, consistent with global literature. Our findings suggest that among Indian patients with AMI, the presence or absence of Type D personality may represent two distinct subpopulations.

Distress among hospitalized patients with acute coronary syndrome

“…Approximately one-quarter of participants after an AMI were found to have this type of personality trait. 32 There is conflicting evidence regarding the increased risk of mortality with a Type D personality. One study found a 2-fold increase in risk of death and repeat MI after adjusting for disease severity and depression.…”

“…Those with a Type D personality are thought to have a disposition to react emotionally in a negative manner such as with depression, anxiety, anger, and hostility. Approximately one‐quarter of participants after an AMI were found to have this type of personality trait 32 . There is conflicting evidence regarding the increased risk of mortality with a Type D personality.…”