Network analysis identifies core fear symptoms as screening clues for post-PCI rehabilitation in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Background Acute myocardial infarction is a leading cause of death among cardiovascular patients. Fear following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can impede patient recovery. Thus, identifying the core and key symptoms of patients' fear and formulating corresponding countermeasures are essential. Objective To analyze the key fear symptoms in acute myocardial infarction patients post—PCI and provide evidence for precision risk screening and supportive care for post-PCI AMI patients. Methods A cross—sectional survey was conducted. Using convenient sampling, patients who underwent PCI for acute myocardial infarction at a Harbin tertiary hospital's cardiology department from June to October 2024 were enrolled. Data were collected via the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart, and Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form. Network analysis, including centrality calculations and stability estimations, was performed using R software. Results The strongest connection was found between “Anxiety causes physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate, stomach pain, and nervousness” and “Relying on strangers for daily life makes me anxious,” serving as the most crucial bridging symptom. “Exercise aggravates heart problems” had the highest expected influence (EI = 1.279), was centrally located in the network, and was identified as the core fear symptom in post—PCI acute myocardial infarction patients. Conclusion This study employed network analysis to identify closely—linked and highly predictive symptoms within the post—PCI fear network of acute myocardial infarction patients. The core symptom “Exercise aggravates heart problems” may serve as an exploratory screening clue, and healthcare workers could use this to develop stratified screening and personalized supportive plans to improve patient prognosis.