Myocardial infarction and stress

Some stress and adaptation are necessary in life. Scientific study is showing, however, a significant correlation between stress and coronary artery disease when the stress is continuous or extreme. It is becoming increasingly clear that although mortality has fallen to 8% in some of our CCU's no program for the reduction of morbidity and mortality of patients with coronary artery disease will be complete until we understand its relationship to stress and the difficulties of pre- and posthospital life. We, as nurses, hav a unique responsibility and challenge as we care for the whole person, his life, his faith, and his hope. Bodily effects of stress can be minimized by supportive interpersonal relationships and patient education.