The Effect of Perceived Stress on Quality of Life in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Objectives: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common heart disease with a high mortality rate. In patients with MI, factors such as social isolation, the presence of a previous MI, and the presence of diabetes mellitus in some patients can create stress in the patient. Perceived stress after MI may lead to an increase in the frequency of hospitalization, frequent cardiac problems, and difficulty in adapting to secondary prevention programs. Therefore, it is important to know the relationship between perceived stress and quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effect of perceived stress on quality of life in patients with MI. Methods: The population of this descriptive and correlational study consisted of all patients diagnosed with MI (n=506) who applied to the adult outpatient clinic of a Hospital in Istanbul between January and June 2021. The sample of the study consisted of 300 patients who came to the polyclinic for examination at the time of the study, were over 18 years old, were diagnosed with MI, did not have any communication problems, and did not receive psychiatric treatment and agreed to participate in the study. Research data were collected using the survey technique, Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), and TR MI Dimensional Assessment Scale. Results: A moderate positive significant relationship was found between the PSS-14 and the TR MI Dimensional Assessment Scale (r=0.656; p<0.01). There was a negative significant relationship between the perceived stress level of patients diagnosed with MI and their quality of life levels, and as the patient’s quality of life increased, their perceived stress level decreased. 42.9% of the patients’ quality of life levels were affected by their perceived stress level. Conclusion: In light of the data obtained from the study, it was determined that perceived stress had a negative impact on the quality of life in patients with MI, and as perceived stress increased, the patient’s quality of life decreased.