Measurement and prediction of recovery after myocardial infarction

Psychological tests were completed by myocardial infarct (MI) patients during their initial hospitalization, and further tests and a structured home interview occurred seven months later (N = 28). Self-reported health, symptoms, sexual activity, and psychosocial changes were found to form an inter-related cluster of outcome measures. Poor recovery was predicted by self-reports of high trait anxiety while in hospital, and by manual occupation. Poor recovery was also associated with in-hospital reports of dissatisfaction with work and few confiding relationships. The development of a brief pencil and paper screening instrument for MI patients in need of special rehabilitation support is discussed.