Changes in Psychological Parameters and Health Behavior of Coronary and Non-Coronary Patients Following Hospitalization – A Six-Month Follow-Up

The aim of the paper was to determine specific spontaneous changes in psychological and behavioral parameters in patients who had a myocardial infarction compared to non-coronary patients during a period of six months after hospitalization. Thirty-three hospitalized patients with acute myocardial infarction (group K) and 30 hospitalized non-coronary patients (group C) were compared and than followed up for six months for the following psychological parameters: intensity of anxiety, intensity of depression, intensity of aggression, exposure to stressful life events; and risk health behaviors - alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and lack of physical activity. On admission, anxiety and depression were more pronounced in group K, as well as the exposure to stressful life events. After six months, the level of aggression in group K was lower compared to the initial measurement (p<0,05), exposure to stressful events was also lower (p<0.01), while physical activity was more frequently practiced (p<0.01). Anxiety and depression remained increased. In group C, such changes were not demonstrated after six months. Increased anxiety and depression as well as decreased aggression and exposure to stressful life events six months after acute myocardial infarction were psychological changes specific of coronary patients, not reported in the group of non-coronary patients.