Patients want to know about the 'cardiac blues'

Australian Family Physician
|November 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Most cardiac patients want information about the

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Severe depression post-cardiac event receives attention, unlike transient emotional distress ('cardiac blues').
  • Limited support exists for patients experiencing 'cardiac blues' following a heart event.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore cardiac patients' preferences for receiving information about the 'cardiac blues'.
  • To understand patient needs regarding emotional well-being after cardiac events.

Main Methods:

  • 160 consecutive cardiac patients in Australia were interviewed thrice over six months.
  • Interviews assessed emotional issues and preferences for information provision.

Main Results:

  • 81% of patients desired information about the 'cardiac blues'.
  • Only a small fraction of patients actually received this information.

Conclusions:

  • A significant majority of cardiac patients wish to be informed about the 'cardiac blues'.
  • Developing and evaluating resources for healthcare providers and patients to manage 'cardiac blues' is recommended.
Abstract

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