Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
10:03

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty

Published on: January 28, 2020

Anxiety worsens prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease

Woldecherkos A Shibeshi1, Yinong Young-Xu, Charles M Blatt

  • 1Lown Cardiovascular Research Foundation, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA.

Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|May 22, 2007
PubMed

Insights

High anxiety levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) significantly increase the risk of mortality and myocardial infarction (MI). This finding highlights anxiety as a critical prognostic factor in CAD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychosomatic Medicine
  • Clinical Epidemiology

Background:

  • Prognostic implications of anxiety in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients remain unclear.
  • Existing data on anxiety's impact on CAD patient outcomes are inconsistent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between anxiety and adverse cardiovascular events in patients with established CAD.
  • To determine if anxiety is an independent risk factor for mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving 516 patients diagnosed with CAD.
  • Annual assessment of anxiety using the Kellner Symptom Questionnaire.
  • Primary outcome measured as a composite of nonfatal MI or all-cause mortality.

Main Results:

  • A high cumulative anxiety score correlated with an elevated risk of nonfatal MI or death.
  • Age-adjusted analysis showed a hazard ratio of 1.97 for the highest vs. lowest anxiety tertiles (p=0.04).
  • Multivariate analysis indicated each unit increase in anxiety score raised the risk of MI or death (HR 1.06, p=0.02), even after adjusting for multiple risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • Sustained high anxiety levels post-CAD diagnosis represent a significant risk factor for MI and mortality.
  • Anxiety should be considered a crucial prognostic indicator in the management of patients with coronary artery disease.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management01:26

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...