Modification in Quetelet Index Five Months after Myocardial Infarction: Relevance of Biographic and Personality Characteristics

Background. Obesity can be considered as a risk factor for (re-)occurrence of coronary heart disease. Methods. The relationship between modification in quetelet index and personality characteristics was assessed in 166 survivors of a first myocardial infarction (MI). Quetelet index (weight/(height)2) was calculated a few days after first MI and again 5 months later. A multiple regression analysis was executed, with the quetelet index after 5 months as dependent variable and adjustment for gender, age, and quetelet index at baseline. Results. It was found that strong feelings of vital exhaustion and lack of tension significantly contributed to the prediction of increased quetelet index 5 months after a first MI. Conclusions. It is recommended that individually tailored interventions be used based on these personality characteristics to accomplish body weight reduction in MI patients.