Depression and Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Myocardial Infarction

Kheraj Mal1, Inayatullah D Awan2, Jaghat Ram3

  • 1Cardiology, National Institute of Cardiovascular System, Sukkur, PAK.

Cureus
|December 13, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, is linked to myocardial infarction (MI). Early identification and integrated mental health care are crucial for cardiovascular disease patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychiatry
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease patients frequently experience psychological distress.
  • Depression and anxiety are associated with an increased incidence of coronary artery disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess anxiety and depression levels in myocardial infarction (MI) patients.
  • To investigate the relationship between psychological states and MI risk.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study design.
  • Hospitalized Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) administered to stable MI patients at discharge.
  • Patient perceptions of mental state were assessed two weeks prior to the MI event.

Main Results:

  • The mean age of participants was 49.09±5.61 years.
  • Over 50% of participants reported symptoms of anxiety (52.83%) and depression (58.49%) two weeks before their MI.

Conclusions:

  • Depression and anxiety may serve as risk factors for myocardial infarction in vulnerable individuals.
  • Emphasizes the need for mental well-being assessment and a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating psychiatric and psychological care for MI patients.
Abstract

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