Patients' fears in coronary arteriography

This study was concerned with the objects of fear and the intensity of fears related to coronary arteriography (CA) in 378 patients scheduled for coronary arteriography at a university hospital. Intensity of fear was measured on a 10-point Likert-type scale which listed 26 objects of fear. The patients were asked to assess the intensity of their fears both before and after CA. The results showed that the intensity of fear varied depending upon the object of fear. The highest intensity was recorded for fear of coronary artery bypass surgery. A significant increase was found in fear of lying flat in bed after CA and fear of not receiving social support. Fears of uncertainty about the illness, the CA procedure, results of CA, pain, coronary artery bypass surgery and coronary angioplasty decreased significantly after CA. Significant associations were found between objects of fear and patient demographics. It is concluded that patients' fears should be assessed individually both before and after CA. Special attention should be paid to the fears of women, patients under 45 years, upper and lower level employees and the unemployed.