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Anxiety levels of patients undergoing coronary procedures in the catheterization laboratory
Ronak Delewi1, Wieneke Vlastra1, Wim J Rohling1
1Heart Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Anxiety is highest around coronary angiography (CAG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures, especially in younger women, those with less education, and those undergoing primary PCI. Addressing patient anxiety is crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Patient Outcomes
Background:
- Elevated anxiety correlates with poorer outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.
- Anxiety levels in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain understudied.
- This study investigates anxiety during different hospital stay phases for CAG/PCI patients and identifies associated patient characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine anxiety levels in patients undergoing CAG or PCI.
- To assess anxiety across various hospital stay phases (intake, pre-procedure, post-procedure, discharge).
- To identify patient characteristics linked to heightened anxiety during these procedures.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 2604 patients undergoing CAG or PCI (April 2009-April 2010).
- Anxiety measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for Anxiety (0-100).
- Multivariate linear regression analyzed correlations between baseline characteristics and anxiety scores at different time points.
Main Results:
- Anxiety scores peaked pre-procedure (mean VAS 44.2±27.0).
- Female patients reported higher pre-procedure anxiety (50.4±26.5) than males (41.5±26.8, p=0.02).
- Higher anxiety associated with age <65 years, lower education, and acute primary PCI.
Conclusions:
- Anxiety is highest around CAG/PCI procedures, particularly in younger females, those with lower education, and undergoing primary PCI.
- Findings highlight the need for improved pre-procedural information or pharmacological interventions.
- Targeted strategies may effectively reduce anxiety in high-risk patient subgroups.
Background:
High levels of anxiety are associated with worse outcomes in coronary artery disease patients. Little is known about anxiety levels in patients undergoing coronary procedures. Our objective is to examine the levels of anxiety in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the different phases of hospital stay and to evaluate which patient characteristics are associated with increased anxiety.
Methods:
Patients undergoing CAG or PCI between April 2009 and April 2010 were included in this prospective cohort study. Anxiety levels were measured using the self reported Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of Anxiety, ranging from 0 to 100. VAS anxiety scores were obtained at hospital intake, pre- and post-procedure, and at hospital discharge. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to assess correlations between baseline characteristics and anxiety levels at the different time points.
Results:
In total 2604 patients were included, with 70.4% male participants with a mean age of 65±12years. VAS anxiety scores were highest pre-procedure (44.2±27.0mm). Female patients reported a significantly higher pre procedure VAS anxiety score (50.4±26.5) compared to males (41.5±26.8, p=0.02). Other factors associated with higher levels of anxiety at different time points were age<65years, low level of education and an acute primary PCI.
Conclusion:
In the largest cohort to date, we examined anxiety among patients undergoing PCI or CAG was highest immediately around the procedure, particularly in patients aged <65years, of female gender, undergoing primary PCI, or with a lower level of education. Better pre-procedural information or pharmacological strategies may reduce anxiety in these patients.
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