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A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Dream anxiety is an emotional trigger for acute myocardial infarction

Yavuz Selvi1, Adem Aydin, Hasan Ali Gumrukcuoglu

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey. dryavuzselvi@yahoo.com

Psychosomatics
|November 8, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nightmares and poor sleep quality are linked to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) during sleep. Patients experiencing sleep-related AMI reported higher dream anxiety and autonomic hyperactivity compared to those awake during their cardiac event.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) can occur during sleep.
  • Factors influencing sleep-related AMI are not fully understood.
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances may play a role.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between nightmares and sleep-onset AMI.
  • To assess the influence of sleep quality and dream anxiety on AMI occurring during sleep.
  • To compare psychological and sleep-related factors between asleep-AMI and awake-AMI patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of AMI patients was divided into asleep-AMI (n=36) and awake-AMI (n=183) groups.
  • Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
  • Dream anxiety was evaluated using the Van Dream Anxiety Scale (VDAS) for the month preceding AMI.

Main Results:

  • Asleep-AMI patients exhibited significantly poorer subjective sleep quality and higher global PSQI scores.
  • Higher nightmare frequency, difficulty falling asleep post-nightmare, and autonomic hyperactivity were noted in the asleep-AMI group.
  • Asleep-AMI patients reported increased dream recall, daytime anxiety, psychological issues, and higher global VDAS scores.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep anxiety and related emotional factors are associated with AMI occurring during sleep.
  • Poor sleep quality and heightened dream anxiety may be risk factors for sleep-onset AMI.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking sleep disturbances and cardiac events.

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