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Cardiovascular and psychosomatic symptoms among relatives of patients waiting for possible coronary revascularization
A Bengtson1, T Karlsson, P Währborg
1Division of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Insights
Family members of patients awaiting coronary revascularization experience increased anxiety and depression. These psychological and sleep disturbances highlight the need for greater attention to the well-being of these caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rising number of patients with ischemic heart disease awaiting revascularization.
- Prolonged waiting times for revascularization present challenges.
- Limited prior evaluation of negative consequences for patients' families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact on close family members of patients awaiting coronary revascularization.
- To assess the psychological and psychosomatic symptoms experienced by these family members.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional descriptive study design.
- Involved 100 relatives of patients referred for revascularization in Southwestern Sweden.
- Utilized a sex- and age-matched control group for comparison.
Main Results:
- Family members reported significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, and irritability.
- Sleeping disorders, including difficulty waking and restless sleep, were more frequent in family members.
- Questionnaires assessed clinical condition, work situation, and substance use in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Close family members of patients awaiting coronary revascularization face significant challenges.
- The psychological and physical distress experienced by these family members warrants increased attention and support.
- Further research and interventions are needed to address the needs of this population.
Objective:
To examine the consequences for close family members of patients on a waiting list for possible coronary revascularization.
Background:
An increasing number of patients with symptomatic ischemic heart disease require evaluation for possible revascularization. Many of these patients must wait a long time before receiving treatment. The negative consequences of this long wait for patients and their relatives have not been satisfactorily evaluated previously.
Design:
Cross-sectional descriptive study.
Setting:
All hospital in Southwestern Sweden.
Study Population:
One hundred relatives of patients referred for possible revascularization and a sex- and age-matched reference group. The convenience sample consisted of 85% (n = 76) women and 15% (n = 13) men.
Outcome Measures:
Frequency of cardiovascular and psychosomatic symptoms.
Evaluation:
One hundred relatives and 100 members of the control group were sent a questionnaire to evaluate their clinical condition; working situation; use of tobacco, alcohol and sedatives; and cardiovascular and psychosomatic symptoms.
Results:
Family members had a significantly higher frequency of anxiety, depression, and irritability compared with the control group. Furthermore, family members reported sleeping disorders, including difficulty waking, tiredness due to lack of sleep, and restless sleep, more frequently than did the control group.
Conclusion:
Close family members of patients waiting for coronary revascularization have particular difficulties, and these difficulties should receive more attention.