Depression and Anxiety as a Risk Factor for Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Introduction: Patients having a cardiovascular disease experience negative states of psychology. An increased incidence of coronary artery disease is attributed to both depression and anxiety.

Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, the Hospitalized Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to determine anxiety and depression in stable patients of myocardial infarction (MI) at the time of their discharge. All responses were based on the patients' perceptions two weeks prior to acute MI event. SPSS version 21.0 was used for data entry and analysis.

Results: The mean age of the participants in our study was 49.09±5.61 years. About 52.83% (n=28) and 58.49% (n=31) participants suffered from anxiety and depression two weeks prior to their myocardial infarction.

Conclusion: Depression and anxiety can be a risk factor for myocardial infarction in susceptible individuals. Attention should be given to mental well-being, and a multi-disciplinary management approach should be taken for these patients including psychiatry and psychology.

Keywords: anxiety; depression; myocardial infarction; risk factors.