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.
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.
Introduction:
Patients having a cardiovascular disease experience negative states of psychology. An increased incidence of coronary artery disease is attributed to both depression and anxiety.
Materials And Methods:
In this retrospective study, the Hospitalized Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to determine anxiety and depression in stable patients of myocardial infarction (MI) at the time of their discharge. All responses were based on the patients' perceptions two weeks prior to acute MI event. SPSS version 21.0 was used for data entry and analysis.
Results:
The mean age of the participants in our study was 49.09±5.61 years. About 52.83% (n=28) and 58.49% (n=31) participants suffered from anxiety and depression two weeks prior to their myocardial infarction.
Conclusion:
Depression and anxiety can be a risk factor for myocardial infarction in susceptible individuals. Attention should be given to mental well-being, and a multi-disciplinary management approach should be taken for these patients including psychiatry and psychology.
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