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The role of masculinity in a prognostic predictor of heart attack severity

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Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States for both men and women. Men, however, are more likely that women to suffer from CHD at all ages. While previous research has linked Type A behavior to CHD, investigators have failed to note the role traditional masculinity plays in the development of that behavior pattern and in the development of other psychosocial risk factors for CHD. In the present study, 90 postmyocardial infarction patients were interviewed shortly before hospital discharge. The masculinity-CHD relationship was hypothesized to be mediated by masculinity's link to Type A behavior, poor health practices, and impaired social networks. Masculinity, along with these mediating variables, was then expected to be related to the Peel prognostic indicator of heart attack severity. Results indicated that negative or extreme masculinity was related to each of the mediating variables and to heart attack severity, but the effect of masculinity on heart attack severity was not mediated by Type A behavior, poor health practices, or impaired social networks.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of California, 1283 Franz Hall, 90024, Los Angeles, CA

    Vicki S. Helgeson

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  1. Vicki S. Helgeson
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The author would like to extend her appreciation to Dr. Steven Zeldis, chief of cardiology, Winthrop University Hospital, and to Dr. Steven Siskind, chief of cardiology, Booth Memorial Hospital, for their support and assistance in conducting this research. The author also is grateful for reviewers' helpful suggestions in revising this manuscript.

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Helgeson, V.S. The role of masculinity in a prognostic predictor of heart attack severity. Sex Roles 22, 755–774 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292059

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