Reviews studies on the relationship between Type A behavior pattern (TABP) and the increased incidence of clinical coronary heart disease (CHD). Three prospective studies support the risk-factor status of TABP and some results question whether other characteristics of high-risk individuals obscure the association of TABP with coronary artery disease (CAD). Also, the question of the effects of age on the relationship between risk factors such as TABP and CHD events on CAD severity has been raised. The notion that certain aspects of anger and hostility may qualify as coronary prone behavior has received further support in recent investigations (e.g., S. G. Haynes et al; see PA, Vol 68:10704). Research has shown that personality traits such as anxiety, depression, and hypochondriasis (which is a dimension of neuroticism) influence symptom reporting and seeking of medical care, but are not related to CAD. Recommendations are given for future research.