Inverse Correlation Between Cardiac Injury and Cardiac Anxiety: A Potential Role for Communication

Discussion: Cardiac anxiety in ACS patients is associated with more psychological distress but lower severity of cardiac injury as indicated by ST-elevated myocardial infarction and troponin level. Two explanations seem likely for this latter finding. First, anxious persons might seek help earlier, thus being diagnosed more often with minor cardiac pathology. Second, cardiac anxiety might partly be caused by diagnostic uncertainty. Future research should focus on communication strategies to reassure patients more efficiently.
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: Articles Source Type: research