Determinants of anxiety and depression level in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Anxiety and depression are common health problems affecting course of the cardiac rehabilitation in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of anxiety and depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Fifty patients (42 males, 8 females) hospitalized in coronary care unit with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome participated in the study. Physical, physiological and demographic characteristics of the patients were recorded. The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score was calculated. Functional level was determined using the New York Heart Association Classification (NYHA). Anxiety was evaluated using the State- Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Depression was determined using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Cognitive function evaluated using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). According to multiple linear regression analysis, the BDI score and NYHA class explained 45% of the variance in the STAI-Trait Anxiety score (p=0.016). Duration of education, previous percutaneous intervention, and coronary care unit admission respiratory rate explained 39% of STAI-State Anxiety score (p<0.0001). The STAI-Trait Anxiety score and MMSE score explained 37% of the variance in the BDI score (p<0.0001). Functional level, duration of education, cognitive function, previous percutaneous applications, and admission respiratory rate determine depression and anxiety level in acute coronary syndrome. Psychosocial status as well as physical function should be taken into consideration to plan in to the cardiac rehabilitation programs.