Impact of Distress on Heart Health After a Heart Attack
Author Information
Author(s): Roland von Känel, Roman Hari, Jean-Paul Schmid, Hugo Saner, Stefan Begré
Primary Institution: Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Switzerland
Hypothesis
Greater fear of dying, helplessness, or pain intensity during myocardial infarction is associated with increased risk of future cardiovascular events.
Conclusion
Patients who reported higher levels of distress related to their heart attack were more likely to experience future cardiovascular problems.
Supporting Evidence
- 14.8% of patients experienced a cardiovascular event requiring hospital readmission.
- Fear of dying, helplessness, and pain were significantly associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
- The study controlled for important factors like age and smoking.
Takeaway
If someone feels really scared or helpless after a heart attack, they might have more heart problems later on.
Methodology
304 patients rated their distress after a heart attack, and their hospital readmissions were tracked over a median follow-up of 32 months.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to retrospective assessment of distress and exclusion of patients with chest pain after MI.
Limitations
The study had a low response rate and relied on retrospective self-reports of distress, which may be biased.
Participant Demographics
61 ± 11 years old, 85% men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.03-1.43 for fear of dying; 95% CI 1.04-1.44 for helplessness; 95% CI 1.02-1.58 for pain.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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