Depressive and anxiety symptoms and illness perception among patients with acute coronary syndrome

To evaluate the features of depressive and anxiety symptoms and illness perception and their associations in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study and baseline data from a randomized controlled trial.

From June to July 2019 and June to September 2020, patients with ACS in four public hospitals in China completed measurements of depressive and anxiety symptoms, illness perception, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Data were analysed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

This study included 510 participants (mean age, 61.0 ± 9.9 years; 67.8% male). The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 66.3% and 56.5%, respectively. Total score of illness perception was 43.5 ± 9.1 and mean scores of each dimension ranged from 5.5 to 7.6, suggesting relatively negative illness perceptions. The top two perceived causes of illness were negative emotions or stress (27.3%) and dietary habits (25.5%) and 24.7% of participants were unaware of causes regarding their illness. After adjusting for potential confounders, a one-point increase in scores on illness perception regarding consequences and emotional response (range, 0-10) was related to a 22% increased probability of depressive symptoms. Every one-point increase in scores on illness perception related to emotional response, personal control and illness comprehensibility was associated with a 38% increased, 13% decreased and 9% decreased probability of anxiety symptoms, respectively.

Depressive and anxiety symptoms are prevalent at high rates in patients with ACS. They have a relatively negative illness perception that is associated with the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms.

This study highlights the importance of screening for depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with ACS, especially for those with negative illness perceptions. Targeted strategies are imperative to improve patients' health outcomes.

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