Unraveling the complexity of cardiac distress: a study of prevalence and severity

Jackson, Alun, C., Rogerson, Michelle C., Amerena, John, Smith, Julian, Hoover, Valerie, Alvarenga, Marlies, E., Higgins, Rosemary, O., Le Grande, Michael, R., Ski, Chantal, Thompson, David, R. and Murphy, Barbara, M. (2022) Unraveling the complexity of cardiac distress: a study of prevalence and severity. Frontiers in Psychology, 13 (808904). pp. 1-11. ISSN 1664-1078

[img]
Preview
Text
Jackson Unravelling complxity cardiac distress Frontiers Psychiatry '22.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (945kB) | Preview

Abstract

Introduction: While much research attention has been paid to anxiety and depression in people who have had a recent cardiac event, relatively little has focused on the broader concept of cardiac distress. Cardiac distress is a multidimensional construct that incorporates but extends beyond common mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. In the present study we assessed the prevalence, severity and predictors of a broad range of physical, affective, cognitive, behavioral and social symptoms of cardiac distress. This is the first study to investigate cardiac distress in this comprehensive way.

Method: A sample of 194 patients was recruited from two hospitals in Australia. Eligible participants were those who had recently been hospitalized for an acute cardiac event. Data were collected at patients' outpatient clinic appointment ~8 weeks after their hospital discharge. Using a questionnaire developed through a protocol-driven 3-step process, participants reported on whether they had experienced each of 74 issues and concerns in the past 4 weeks, and the associated level of distress. They also provided sociodemographic and medical information. Regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for elevated distress.

Results: Across the 74 issues and concerns, prevalence ratings ranged from a high of 66% to a low of 6%. The most commonly endorsed items were within the domains of dealing with symptoms, fear of the future, negative affect, and social isolation. Common experiences were “being physically restricted” (66%), “lacking energy” (60%), “being short of breath” (60%), “thinking I will never be the same again” (57%), and “not sleeping well” (51%). While less prevalent, “not having access to the health care I need,” “being concerned about my capacity for sexual activity,” and “being unsupported by family and friends” were reported as highly distressing (74, 64, and 62%) for those experiencing these issues. Having a mental health history and current financial strain were key risk factors for elevated distress.

Conclusion and Implications: Specific experiences of distress appear to be highly prevalent in people who have had a recent cardiac event. Understanding these specific fears, worries and stressors has important implications for the identification and management of post-event mental health and, in turn, for supporting patients in their post-event cardiac recovery.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: psychocardiology, cardiac distress, anxiety, stress, depression, fear of progression, secondary prevention
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Health & Science > Department of Health Studies
Depositing User: David Upson-Dale
Date Deposited: 31 Mar 2022 13:31
Last Modified: 31 Mar 2022 13:31
URI: https://oars.uos.ac.uk/id/eprint/2429

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year