Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Cardiac Anxiety After Myocardial Infarction: Effects on Disease-Specific...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Cardiac anxiety is prevalent post-myocardial infarction (MI), negatively impacting quality of life and prognosis.
• It is often overlooked in standard post-MI care, highlighting a need for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a therapist-guided, digital exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CA-CBT) for cardiac anxiety in patients post-MI.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial assigned patients with prior MI and significant cardiac anxiety to 8 weeks of digital CA-CBT or usual care.
• Disease-specific health status (Seattle Angina Questionnaire) and cardiac anxiety were primary outcomes assessed at 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• CA-CBT significantly improved disease-specific health status, including quality of life and physical limitations, compared to usual care.
• Cardiac anxiety was substantially reduced in the CA-CBT group.
• These improvements were maintained at the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Therapist-guided digital CA-CBT is effective in improving health status and reducing cardiac anxiety after MI.
• The intervention demonstrates durable effects, supporting its integration into secondary prevention programs.
• Digital psychological interventions offer a viable approach for managing cardiac anxiety in post-MI patients.