O diabetes melito (DM) é um fator de risco independente para doença arterial coronariana, acidente vascular cerebral, doença vascular periférica e insuficiência cardíaca, que são as principais causas de morte nesses pacientes. Além disso, pacientes com DM e doença cardiovascular têm pior prognóstico, por apresentarem menor sobrevida, maior risco de recorrência da doença e pior resposta aos tratamentos propostos. Os avanços diagnósticos e terapêuticos das últimas décadas já mostram uma redução do risco de eventos cardiovasculares nesses pacientes, mas o risco absoluto dos mesmos é ainda duas vezes maior em relação ao dos pacientes não diabéticos. Portanto, é prioritária a adoção de um manejo intensivo, com controle rígido dos fatores de risco cardiovasculares. Esta revisão trata das principais características clínicas e apresenta uma abordagem prática do rastreamento, diagnóstico e tratamento da doença macrovascular nos pacientes com DM. / Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and heart failure, which are the main causes of death in these patients. Moreover, patients with DM and cardiovascular disease have a worse prognosis than nondiabetics, present lower short-term survival, higher risk of recurrence of the disease and a worse response to the treatments proposed. In the last decades, diagnostic and therapeutic progress had already shown benefits concerning cardiovascular risk reduction in these patients, but their absolute mortality risk is still twice that of non-diabetic patients. Because of this, the adoption of intensive treatment, with strict cardiovascular risk factor control, is a priority. The present study presents the main clinical characteristics and also the practical approach for screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients with diabetic macrovascular disease.

Introdução: Estudos sobre implicações clínicas da nova definição de infarto do miocárdio (IAM), incorporando novos marcadores de lesão miocárdica, são escassos na literatura. A prevalência de IAM e das suas complicações são diretamente dependentes do critério diagnóstico utilizado. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto diagnóstico, prognóstico e econômico da nova definição de IAM proposta pela AHA/ ESC usando troponina T (TnT) como marcador de lesão cardíaca. Métodos: Um total de 740 pacientes com dor torácica admitidos na Emergência do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre no período de julho/ 1999 a janeiro/ 2002 foram incluídos no estudo. Creatina quinase total (CK), CK-MB atividade e TnT foram dosados em uma amostra de 363 pacientes, representativa de toda a coorte. Para redefinição de IAM foram utilizados como ponto de corte valores pico de TnT > 0,2 mg/dl. Os desfechos avaliados foram classificados como eventos cardíacos maiores (angina recorrente, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, choque cardiogênico e óbito) e como procedimentos de revascularização. Também foram avaliados o manejo prescrito, os custos e o faturamento hospitalar. Resultados: Nos 363 pacientes com marcadores dosados, foram diagnosticados 59 casos de IAM (16%) pelos critérios clássicos; enquanto 40 pacientes (11%) tiveram o diagnóstico de IAM pelo critério redefinido, o que corresponde a um incremento de 71% na incidência. Pacientes com IAM redefinido eram significativamente mais idosos e do sexo masculino, apresentaram mais dor atípica e diabetes mellitus. Na análise multivariada, pacientes com infarto redefinido tiveram um risco 5,1 [IC 95% 1,0-28] vezes maior para óbito hospitalar e 3,4 [IC 95% 1,1-10] vezes maior para eventos combinados em relação aqueles sem IAM. O manejo dos casos de IAM redefinido foi semelhante ao manejo daqueles com IAM tradicional, exceto pelos procedimentos de revascularização que foram menos freqüentes (25% vs. 51%, P < 0,001). O grupo com IAM redefinido permaneceu mais tempo internado e foi submetido a procedimentos mais tardiamente. Do ponto de vista institucional, o uso dos novos critérios para IAM poderia resultar em um aumento de 9% (mais R$ 2.756,00 por grupo de 100 pacientes avaliados) no faturamento baseado em diagnóstico segundo a tabela do SUS. Conclusões: O novo diagnóstico de IAM acrescenta um número expressivo de indivíduos com infarto aos serviços de emergência. A incorporação deste critério é importante na medida que estes pacientes têm um prognóstico semelhante aos demais casos tradicionalmente diagnosticados. Como a identificação destes casos poderia resultar em um manejo mais qualificado e eficiente destes pacientes, esforços deveriam ser adotados para reforçar a adoção da redefinição de IAM. / Background: Studies on the clinical implications of the new criteria for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), incorporating cardiac markers of myocardial injury, are scarce in the literature. The prevalence of AMI and its complications are directly dependent on the diagnostic criteria used. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic, prognostic and economic impact of the new diagnostic criteria for AMI proposed by the AHA/ ESC, using cardiac troponin T (cTnT) as cardiac marker. Methods: A total of 740 patients consecutively admitted in the emergency department with chest pain and suspect acute coronary syndrome from July, 1999 to January, 2002 were enrolled in this study. Clinical characteristic, hospital management and outcomes were prospectively recorded. Total CK, CK-MB activity and cTnT were measured in a sample of 363 patients, representative of all cohort. Patients without AMI by traditional criteria and cTnT > 0.2 mg/dl were coded as redefined AMI. Major cardiac events evaluated were: recurrent angina, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock and death, and revascularization procedures. In-hospital management and reimbursement rates were also analyzed. Results: Among 363 patients, 59 (16%) patients had AMI by conventional criteria, whereas 40 (11%) had redefined AMI, an increase of 71% in the incidence. Patients with redefined AMI were significantly older, more male, presented with atypical chest pain and had more diabetes mellitus. In the multivariate analysis, redefined AMI was associated with 5.1 fold higher risk for in-hospital death [95%CI 1.0-28] and a 3.4 fold more cardiac events [95% CI 1.1-10] compared to those without AMI. In-hospital management was similar between patients defined by new and old criteria, except for revascularization procedures, which were less frequent in the redefined group (25% versus 51%, P<0.01). This group had longer length of hospital stay and were submitted latter to invasive procedures. From hospital perspective, based on DRGs (Diagnosis Related Group) payment system, adoption of AMI redefinition would increase 9% in the reimbursement rate or R$ 2756 per 100 patients evaluated. Conclusions: The new criteria result in a substantial increase in the diagnosis of AMI. In addition, it will allow identification of high risk patients with prognosis similar to those diagnosed by classic criteria. Efforts should be made to reinforce the adoption of AMI redefinition, which could result in a more qualified and efficient management of acute coronary syndrome patients.

Background: Calcium channel blockers are mainly divided into antihypertensive and antianginal treatment agents. In 2000 it was estimated that 972 million adults worldwide were living with hypertension and it is expected to affect 1.56 billion patients by 2025. The incremental expenditure for the antihypertensive therapeutic group in the United States of America was estimated at $US 55 billion per annum in 2006. It was stated that around seven million people in the United States of America suffered from angina, with around 400 000 new reports every year. Objective: To determine the prescribing patterns of calcium channel blocker medicine items during 2005 to 2008 in a section of the private health care sector of South Africa. Methods: A retrospective quantitative drug utilisation review was done using a medicine claims database ranging over four years from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008. The total medicine claims database was divided into cardiovascular medicine items and then into calcium channel blockers. These were analysed according to age as well as gender. Further analysis included adherence of calcium channel blockers as well as an analysis of prescribers of these items during the study period. Results: The total number of patients on the medicine claims database consisted of 1 509 621 patients in 2005. This number decreased to 974 497 patients in 2008. The most medicine items were dispensed in 2006 (n = 21 113 422) with an average cost of R 92.82 (SD = 196.42) per medicine item. It was noted that 16.05% (n = 242 264) of patients used at least one cardiovascular item in 2005. The percentage of cardiovascular medicine item users increased by 4.36% during the study period to 20.41% (n = 198 847) in 2008. In 2008 the cardiovascular medicine items dispensed were responsible for 19.18% (R 342 565 308.41) of the total cost of all medicine items claimed. In 2005 the results revealed that 1.63% (n = 318 258) of all medicine items dispensed were calcium channel blocker medicine items. The percentage of calcium channel blockers increased to 2.24% (n = 367 437) of the total number of medicine items in 2008. The cost prevalence index was calculated for the calcium channel blockers and the value declined from 1.5 in 2005 to 1.22 in 2008, which indicated that the items dispensed were relatively expensive, but less than in 2005. An increase of 16.17% in the usage of generic medicine items were noted from 2005 to 2008. More female patients than male patients claimed medicine items during the study period. A higher percentage of male patients used a cardiovascular medicine item as well as calcium channel blockers during the study period compared to females and a larger percentage of their medicine expenditure was used on cardiovascular medicine items as well as calcium channel blockers compared to females. The usage of cardiovascular medicine items as well as calcium channel blocker medicine items increased with patient age. In 2008, 17.98% of patients older than 65 years of age used a calcium channel blocker compared to 0.97% of patients aged > 25 <= 35 years. Only 60.34% of calcium channel blockers items were used with acceptable refill adherence rates during the study. More than a third of the calcium channel blockers medicine items used had unacceptable low adherence rates from 2005 to 2008. In each of the study years the highest potential saving with generic substitution was seen with amlodipine containing items. It was also observed that some generic substitutions could be relatively more expensive than the innovator products and an increased cost instead of a saving through generic substitution may have occurred. Conclusion: This study highlighted the prescribing patterns and cost implications of calcium channel blockers in the private health care sector of South Africa. It is recommended that a more in–depth study of the adherence of calcium channel blockers be done. This study should also include the cost strategies of generic substitution of calcium channel blockers in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Pharm (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Background: Calcium channel blockers are mainly divided into antihypertensive and antianginal treatment agents. In 2000 it was estimated that 972 million adults worldwide were living with hypertension and it is expected to affect 1.56 billion patients by 2025. The incremental expenditure for the antihypertensive therapeutic group in the United States of America was estimated at $US 55 billion per annum in 2006. It was stated that around seven million people in the United States of America suffered from angina, with around 400 000 new reports every year. Objective: To determine the prescribing patterns of calcium channel blocker medicine items during 2005 to 2008 in a section of the private health care sector of South Africa. Methods: A retrospective quantitative drug utilisation review was done using a medicine claims database ranging over four years from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008. The total medicine claims database was divided into cardiovascular medicine items and then into calcium channel blockers. These were analysed according to age as well as gender. Further analysis included adherence of calcium channel blockers as well as an analysis of prescribers of these items during the study period. Results: The total number of patients on the medicine claims database consisted of 1 509 621 patients in 2005. This number decreased to 974 497 patients in 2008. The most medicine items were dispensed in 2006 (n = 21 113 422) with an average cost of R 92.82 (SD = 196.42) per medicine item. It was noted that 16.05% (n = 242 264) of patients used at least one cardiovascular item in 2005. The percentage of cardiovascular medicine item users increased by 4.36% during the study period to 20.41% (n = 198 847) in 2008. In 2008 the cardiovascular medicine items dispensed were responsible for 19.18% (R 342 565 308.41) of the total cost of all medicine items claimed. In 2005 the results revealed that 1.63% (n = 318 258) of all medicine items dispensed were calcium channel blocker medicine items. The percentage of calcium channel blockers increased to 2.24% (n = 367 437) of the total number of medicine items in 2008. The cost prevalence index was calculated for the calcium channel blockers and the value declined from 1.5 in 2005 to 1.22 in 2008, which indicated that the items dispensed were relatively expensive, but less than in 2005. An increase of 16.17% in the usage of generic medicine items were noted from 2005 to 2008. More female patients than male patients claimed medicine items during the study period. A higher percentage of male patients used a cardiovascular medicine item as well as calcium channel blockers during the study period compared to females and a larger percentage of their medicine expenditure was used on cardiovascular medicine items as well as calcium channel blockers compared to females. The usage of cardiovascular medicine items as well as calcium channel blocker medicine items increased with patient age. In 2008, 17.98% of patients older than 65 years of age used a calcium channel blocker compared to 0.97% of patients aged > 25 <= 35 years. Only 60.34% of calcium channel blockers items were used with acceptable refill adherence rates during the study. More than a third of the calcium channel blockers medicine items used had unacceptable low adherence rates from 2005 to 2008. In each of the study years the highest potential saving with generic substitution was seen with amlodipine containing items. It was also observed that some generic substitutions could be relatively more expensive than the innovator products and an increased cost instead of a saving through generic substitution may have occurred. Conclusion: This study highlighted the prescribing patterns and cost implications of calcium channel blockers in the private health care sector of South Africa. It is recommended that a more in–depth study of the adherence of calcium channel blockers be done. This study should also include the cost strategies of generic substitution of calcium channel blockers in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Pharm (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2002. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia anti-isquêmica e efeito metabólico da trimetazidina em pacientes com angina refratária e diabete melito (DM) tipo 2, em uso de pelo menos duas medicações de efeito hemodinâmico, sem condições de revascularização. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado, cruzado, duplo-cego, conduzido em 10 pacientes com DM tipo 2 e angina estável, em tratamento com pelo menos 2 anti-anginosos clássicos. Pacientes foram randomizados para receber trimetazidina (20 mg 3 vezes ao dia) ou placebo, por períodos de 6 semanas. Avaliação clínica, laboratorial, ergométrica e monitorização de pressão arterial (MAPA) e Holter de 24 horas foram realizadas no início do estudo e ao término de 6 semanas de cada intervenção. Resultados: Os pacientes em tratamento com trimetazidina apresentaram melhora significativa na classe funcional da angina (p<0,05), com diminuição significativa no número de episódios de crise anginosa por semana e na dose de nitrato sub-lingual utilizada (p<0,05). O tempo de início da isquemia no teste ergométrico foi maior após o uso da trimetazidina (229 ± 126 s no basal, 276 ± 101 s após o placebo e 348 ± 145 s após a trimetazidina; p<0,05). Não houve diferença nos níveis de pressão arterial, freqüência cardíaca e duplo-produto nas 24h, avaliadas concomitantemente com Holter e MAPA, ou no controle glicêmico e lipídico entre as intervenções. Conclusões: O uso da trimetazidina mostrou-se eficaz como tratamento coadjuvante da angina estável de difícil manejo em pacientes com DM tipo 2 em uso de múltiplos anti-anginosos, sem alteração de variáveis hemodinâmicas avaliadas nas 24 h. Estes dados ampliam o espectro de emprego da trimetazidina no manejo de pacientes sintomáticos e com limitadas opções de tratamento. / Aims: To evaluate the anti-ischemic and metabolic effect of trimetazidine in patients with refractory angina and type 2 diabetes (DM2) not eligible for revascularization and using at least two hemodynamic agents. Methods: Randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial conducted in 10 patients. Patients were randomized to receive trimetazidine (20 mg 3 times a day) or placebo for 6-week periods. Clinical and exercise evaluations, in addition to 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and Holter monitoring were carried out at baseline and at the end of each 6-week intervention period. Results: The patients receiving trimetazidine presented significant improvement in terms of angina functional class (p<0.05), with decrease in the number of weekly angina episodes at rest and in the sublingual nitrate dose (p<0.05). Time to 1 mm ST-segment depression was increased after trimetazidine use (229.2 ± 126.1 s at baseline, 276.3 ± 100.9 s after placebo and 347.5 ± 144.6 s after trimetazidine; p<0.001). No differences were observed between treatments group in terms of 24h-blood pressure, heart rate and ratepressure product as evaluated concomitantly with ambulatory blood pressure and Holter monitoring, or in terms of glycemic and lipid profile. Conclusions: The combined use of trimetazidine and haemodynamic agents was efficient to treat stable refractory angina in DM2 patients, significantly improving clinical and exercise parameters. The present data support the use of trimetazidine in the management of symptomatic patients with limited treatment options.

Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia anti-isquêmica e efeito metabólico da trimetazidina em pacientes com angina refratária e diabete melito (DM) tipo 2, em uso de pelo menos duas medicações de efeito hemodinâmico, sem condições de revascularização. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado, cruzado, duplo-cego, conduzido em 10 pacientes com DM tipo 2 e angina estável, em tratamento com pelo menos 2 anti-anginosos clássicos. Pacientes foram randomizados para receber trimetazidina (20 mg 3 vezes ao dia) ou placebo, por períodos de 6 semanas. Avaliação clínica, laboratorial, ergométrica e monitorização de pressão arterial (MAPA) e Holter de 24 horas foram realizadas no início do estudo e ao término de 6 semanas de cada intervenção. Resultados: Os pacientes em tratamento com trimetazidina apresentaram melhora significativa na classe funcional da angina (p<0,05), com diminuição significativa no número de episódios de crise anginosa por semana e na dose de nitrato sub-lingual utilizada (p<0,05). O tempo de início da isquemia no teste ergométrico foi maior após o uso da trimetazidina (229 ± 126 s no basal, 276 ± 101 s após o placebo e 348 ± 145 s após a trimetazidina; p<0,05). Não houve diferença nos níveis de pressão arterial, freqüência cardíaca e duplo-produto nas 24h, avaliadas concomitantemente com Holter e MAPA, ou no controle glicêmico e lipídico entre as intervenções. Conclusões: O uso da trimetazidina mostrou-se eficaz como tratamento coadjuvante da angina estável de difícil manejo em pacientes com DM tipo 2 em uso de múltiplos anti-anginosos, sem alteração de variáveis hemodinâmicas avaliadas nas 24 h. Estes dados ampliam o espectro de emprego da trimetazidina no manejo de pacientes sintomáticos e com limitadas opções de tratamento. / Aims: To evaluate the anti-ischemic and metabolic effect of trimetazidine in patients with refractory angina and type 2 diabetes (DM2) not eligible for revascularization and using at least two hemodynamic agents. Methods: Randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial conducted in 10 patients. Patients were randomized to receive trimetazidine (20 mg 3 times a day) or placebo for 6-week periods. Clinical and exercise evaluations, in addition to 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and Holter monitoring were carried out at baseline and at the end of each 6-week intervention period. Results: The patients receiving trimetazidine presented significant improvement in terms of angina functional class (p<0.05), with decrease in the number of weekly angina episodes at rest and in the sublingual nitrate dose (p<0.05). Time to 1 mm ST-segment depression was increased after trimetazidine use (229.2 ± 126.1 s at baseline, 276.3 ± 100.9 s after placebo and 347.5 ± 144.6 s after trimetazidine; p<0.001). No differences were observed between treatments group in terms of 24h-blood pressure, heart rate and ratepressure product as evaluated concomitantly with ambulatory blood pressure and Holter monitoring, or in terms of glycemic and lipid profile. Conclusions: The combined use of trimetazidine and haemodynamic agents was efficient to treat stable refractory angina in DM2 patients, significantly improving clinical and exercise parameters. The present data support the use of trimetazidine in the management of symptomatic patients with limited treatment options.

Objetivos: Avaliar a eficácia anti-isquêmica e efeito metabólico da trimetazidina em pacientes com angina refratária e diabete melito (DM) tipo 2, em uso de pelo menos duas medicações de efeito hemodinâmico, sem condições de revascularização. Métodos: Ensaio clínico randomizado, cruzado, duplo-cego, conduzido em 10 pacientes com DM tipo 2 e angina estável, em tratamento com pelo menos 2 anti-anginosos clássicos. Pacientes foram randomizados para receber trimetazidina (20 mg 3 vezes ao dia) ou placebo, por períodos de 6 semanas. Avaliação clínica, laboratorial, ergométrica e monitorização de pressão arterial (MAPA) e Holter de 24 horas foram realizadas no início do estudo e ao término de 6 semanas de cada intervenção. Resultados: Os pacientes em tratamento com trimetazidina apresentaram melhora significativa na classe funcional da angina (p<0,05), com diminuição significativa no número de episódios de crise anginosa por semana e na dose de nitrato sub-lingual utilizada (p<0,05). O tempo de início da isquemia no teste ergométrico foi maior após o uso da trimetazidina (229 ± 126 s no basal, 276 ± 101 s após o placebo e 348 ± 145 s após a trimetazidina; p<0,05). Não houve diferença nos níveis de pressão arterial, freqüência cardíaca e duplo-produto nas 24h, avaliadas concomitantemente com Holter e MAPA, ou no controle glicêmico e lipídico entre as intervenções. Conclusões: O uso da trimetazidina mostrou-se eficaz como tratamento coadjuvante da angina estável de difícil manejo em pacientes com DM tipo 2 em uso de múltiplos anti-anginosos, sem alteração de variáveis hemodinâmicas avaliadas nas 24 h. Estes dados ampliam o espectro de emprego da trimetazidina no manejo de pacientes sintomáticos e com limitadas opções de tratamento. / Aims: To evaluate the anti-ischemic and metabolic effect of trimetazidine in patients with refractory angina and type 2 diabetes (DM2) not eligible for revascularization and using at least two hemodynamic agents. Methods: Randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial conducted in 10 patients. Patients were randomized to receive trimetazidine (20 mg 3 times a day) or placebo for 6-week periods. Clinical and exercise evaluations, in addition to 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and Holter monitoring were carried out at baseline and at the end of each 6-week intervention period. Results: The patients receiving trimetazidine presented significant improvement in terms of angina functional class (p<0.05), with decrease in the number of weekly angina episodes at rest and in the sublingual nitrate dose (p<0.05). Time to 1 mm ST-segment depression was increased after trimetazidine use (229.2 ± 126.1 s at baseline, 276.3 ± 100.9 s after placebo and 347.5 ± 144.6 s after trimetazidine; p<0.001). No differences were observed between treatments group in terms of 24h-blood pressure, heart rate and ratepressure product as evaluated concomitantly with ambulatory blood pressure and Holter monitoring, or in terms of glycemic and lipid profile. Conclusions: The combined use of trimetazidine and haemodynamic agents was efficient to treat stable refractory angina in DM2 patients, significantly improving clinical and exercise parameters. The present data support the use of trimetazidine in the management of symptomatic patients with limited treatment options.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected regular health care for patients with chronic diseases. However, the impact of the pandemic on primary care for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who are enrolled in a structured disease management program (DMP) in Germany is not clear. We investigated whether the pandemic affected primary care and health outcomes of DMP-CAD patients (n = 750) by using a questionnaire assessing patients’ utilization of medical care, CAD symptoms, as well as health behavior and mental health since March 2020. We found that out of concern about getting infected with COVID-19, 9.1% of the patients did not consult a medical practitioner despite having CAD symptoms. Perceived own influence on infection risk was lower and anxiety was higher in these patients compared to symptomatic CAD patients who consulted a physician. Among the patients who reported chest pain lasting longer than 30 min, one third did not consult a medical practitioner subsequently. These patients were generally more worried about COVID-19. Patients with at least one worsening CAD symptom (chest pain, dyspnea, perspiration, or nausea without apparent reason) since the pandemic showed more depressive symptoms, higher anxiety scores, and were less likely to consult a doctor despite having CAD symptoms out of fear of infection. Our results provide evidence that the majority of patients received sufficient medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. However, one in ten patients could be considered particularly at risk for medical undersupply and adverse health outcomes. The perceived infection risk with COVID-19 might have facilitated the decision not to consult a medical doctor.

D.Litt. et Phil. / This research investigated the effectiveness of the treatment programme used by the South African Recurrent Coronary Prevention Project (SARCPP) in reducing the risk of not only recurrent heart disease, but also of original occurrence of heart disease. Heart disease can often be attributed to lifestyle factors such as obesity, high fat content diets and smoking (Friedman & Ulmer, 1995 and Richards & Baker, 1988). Another lifestyle risk factor of heart disease is Type A behaviour, as first discovered by Rosenman and Friedman (1959). Type A behaviour is made up of various components, such as hostility, time urgency and insecurity. The SARCPP has effectively reduced Type A behaviour in past studies (Venter, 1993; Viljoen, 1993; MacLennan, 1994 and Webster, 1994) and it has been found that reducing Type A behaviour through this programme increases high density lipoproteins and decreases total triglycerides, thus decreasing physiological risk factors of heart disease (Wolff, Thoresen, Viljoen, & Venter, 1994). The SARCPP thus far had only been used with Type A persons who had already suffered a form of heart disease, such as myocardial infarction and angina pectoris (here called "unhealthy" Type As). Other interventions have been used to decrease Type A behaviour in subjects who had not yet suffered heart disease (or "healthy" Type As). A leading researcher in this field is Ethel Roskies (1979-1990). Due to ineffective measurement and ineffective treatment programmes, her attempts were not successful, though. This research study applied the treatment used in the SARCPP to both "healthy" and "unhealthy" Type As and it was found that it was as successful in reducing Type A behaviour in both the "healthy" subjects as in the "unhealthy" subjects. Not only was global Type A behaviour as measured by the Videotaped Structured Interview decreased in the treatment groups, but so were the components of Hostility, Time Urgency and Insecurity (although Insecurity was not decreased in the "unhealthy" subjects). The tendency by the subjects to repress angry feelings was reduced in both "unhealthy" and "healthy" subjects, as was cynical hostility in the "healthy" subjects. It was found that the "unhealthy" subjects had significantly more State and Trait anxiety before the treatment took place than the "healthy" subjects and that the treatment reduced that anxiety in the "unhealthy" subjects significantly. Depression was decreased in both "healthy" and "unhealthy" subjects. Thus, the treatment programme of the SARCPP was effective in reducing coronary-prone behavioural factors and can be used as both prevention in recurrence and prevention in original occurrence of heart disease.