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[Cardiac syndrome X from a psychosomatic point of view]

Magdalena Piegza1, Robert Pudlo, Karina Badura-Brzoza

  • 1Katedra i Oddział Kliniczny Psychiatrii w Tarnowskich Górach, SUM.

Psychiatria Polska
|August 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac Syndrome X, characterized by chest pain and normal coronary arteries, is linked to emotional disturbances and somatoform disorder, particularly in perimenopausal women. These patients experience better cardiac outcomes than those with diagnosed coronary heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychosomatic Medicine

Context:

  • Cardiac Syndrome X affects 20-30% of patients with angina undergoing catheterization.
  • It is predominantly observed in perimenopausal women with normal coronary arteriograms.
  • Patients often present with depression, anxiety, and somatic concerns.

Purpose:

  • To elucidate the concept of Cardiac Syndrome X.
  • To explore the association between emotional disturbances, somatoform disorder, and Cardiac Syndrome X.
  • To discuss the clinical presentation and prognosis of Syndrome X.

Summary:

  • Cardiac Syndrome X is defined by angina-like chest pain, positive stress tests, and normal coronary arteries.
  • Syndrome X patients exhibit higher levels of anxiety, depression, and somatization compared to patients with coronary heart disease.
  • While the exact cause remains unclear, somatoform disorder is considered in female chest pain patients.

Impact:

  • Highlights the psychological component in undiagnosed chest pain.
  • Suggests potential diagnostic pathways for female chest pain patients.
  • Indicates a better cardiac prognosis for Syndrome X patients compared to those with coronary heart disease.

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