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Published on: May 28, 2019
Perceived Stress Level in Turkish Patients With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction and its Association With
Ali Hakan Günaydin1, Yeşim Yaman Aktaş2
1Ali Hakan Günaydin, RN, MSc, Registered Nurse, Coronary Intensive Care Unit, Rize Training and Research Hospital, Rize, Turkey.
Insights
High perceived stress is linked to more severe coronary artery disease in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients. Managing stress may help reduce cardiovascular disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychosocial Health
Background:
- Stress is a recognized psychosocial risk factor impacting coronary artery disease (CAD) incidence.
- Effective stress management is crucial for mitigating CAD risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between perceived stress levels and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).
- To assess this relationship in patients diagnosed with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
Main Methods:
- A descriptive and correlational study involving 240 NSTEMI patients.
- Data collected via demographic forms, Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), SYNTAX Score, and GRACE risk score.
Main Results:
- A moderate positive correlation was found between SYNTAX score and PSS-14 (r=0.550) and GRACE score (r=0.555).
- Elevated PSS-14 scores were associated with increased coronary artery disease severity.
- GRACE score, age, diabetes, and PSS-14 score predicted moderate to high SYNTAX scores.
Conclusions:
- Perceived stress levels are high in NSTEMI patients.
- Elevated stress may contribute to the severity of coronary artery disease.
- Close monitoring of high-stress individuals, especially those with advanced age or diabetes, is recommended for CAD progression.
Background:
Stress is one of the psychosocial risk factors predicted to reduce the incidence of coronary artery disease when in good control.
Objective:
This study was conducted to determine the relationship between perceived stress level and the severity of coronary artery disease in patients admitted with a diagnosis of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
Methods:
The descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 240 patients with a diagnosis of NSTEMI. The data were collected using a demographic form, plus the Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), SYNergy between PCI with TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) Score, and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score.
Results:
The mean age of the patients included in the study was 60.75 ± 11.75 years, and 72.5% of the participants were male. The mean PSS-14, GRACE, and SYNTAX scores of the patients included in the study were 31.70 ± 6.71, 101.27 ± 24.48, and 11.90 ± 9.21, respectively. A moderately significant positive correlation was observed between the SYNTAX score and both the PSS-14 score (r = 0.550; P < .001) and the GRACE score (r = 0.555; P < .001). Additionally, a weak positive correlation was identified between the PSS-14 score and the GRACE score (r = 0.261; P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the GRACE score, age, presence of diabetes mellitus, and PSS-14 score were significant predictors of moderate to high SYNTAX scores ( P < .001; P < .05).
Conclusions:
Perceived stress levels were found to be high among patients with NSTEMI, and elevated stress may contribute to the severity of coronary artery disease. Based on these findings, patients of advanced age, those with chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, and individuals experiencing high levels of stress should be closely monitored for the development and progression of coronary artery disease.
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