Ahmed has a particular personality composition: he is very competitive, hard driving, ambitious, and impatient. Out of the following, Ahmed is most likely to develop _. a. anxiety disorder b. coronary heart disease c. acute stress disorder d. immune system disorder
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b. coronary heart disease.
Explanation:
Ahmed’s personality traits — being competitive, hard-driving, ambitious, and impatient — are characteristic of what is often referred to as a “Type A” personality. Type A individuals are known for their high levels of stress, urgency, and competitiveness. These traits can significantly increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD).
Research has shown a strong association between Type A behaviors and the development of heart disease. The competitive nature and constant drive for achievement can lead to chronic stress, which has a direct impact on the cardiovascular system. Stress causes the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body for the “fight or flight” response. While this is useful in short bursts, chronic activation of this stress response can contribute to various health problems, including elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for CHD.
Additionally, Type A individuals often engage in behaviors that further exacerbate the risk of heart disease. For instance, their impatience and urgency may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as poor diet choices, smoking, or lack of physical exercise. The combination of these factors makes Type A individuals more vulnerable to cardiovascular problems.
In contrast, anxiety disorder, acute stress disorder, and immune system disorders can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, environment, and lifestyle, but the specific combination of traits seen in Type A individuals makes coronary heart disease the most likely outcome. Therefore, individuals like Ahmed, who are constantly under high stress and push themselves excessively, are at a significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease.