The association between need of success, diet, social positioning and CHD risk

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: It has been established, that some personal traits associate with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this article is to find out the associations between the need of success, social circumstances, diet preferences and CHD risk. METHOD: We interviewed 600 people of both genders aged between 19 and 75. Of them, 46 declare that the most valuable thing in their life is pleasure (hedonists), and 66 think that success is of higher importance (n Ach). RESULTS: n Ach significantly more often declared that their income is not enough for optimal satisfaction of their needs (p<0,05). Hedonists evaluate themselves more often as highly physically active at working place (р<0.05) and home (р<0.05). Hedonists were more likely to spend their free time with friends at parties (p<0.05), to consume meat daily (p<0.05), and fruits (p<0.05), whereas n Ach have a preference for pork meat (p<0.05) and consume more often milk and energy drinks (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The different attitudes to life-style are associated with significant differences in eating habits, physical activity and social security. The need of success (typical features of type A) associates with social circumstances and diet that may increase CHD risk.