Heart attack trauma haunts patients
Wednesday August 12th, 2009
A significant number of heart attack survivors experience post-traumatic stress disorder, experts have warned.
In a new study, researchers led by Dr Susan Ayers of Sussex University, UK, looked at the links between PTSD and heart attack. They gave a questionnaire to 74 recent heart attack patients to assess any PTSD symptoms and the patient's feelings about their heart attack.
Sixteen per cent met the official criteria for PTSD, they report in the British Journal of Health Psychology. A further 18 per cent reported moderate to severe PTSD symptoms.
This group had more anxiety, depression, and social problems, and perceived their heart attacks as more severe and dangerous. They often had a history of psychological problems and a previous trauma.
"Perception of consequences and dysfunctional coping may be important in PTSD symptoms following heart attack," the team concludes.
In response to the findings, Ruairi O'Connor of the British Heart Foundation said: "A heart attack can leave people, especially those who already feel quite vulnerable, feeling isolated and traumatised.
"It is vital that people receive the care and support they need to recover physically and emotionally. This should be done through cardiac rehab programmes; however these services continue to be underfunded and under staffed. Our audit of services last year showed that only 23 per cent of programmes offer access to a psychologist.
"The British Heart Foundation is part of the Cardio and Vascular Coalition, which is calling for a planned approach to cardiovascular provision in the coming decade, for all heart attack patients to receive cardiac rehabilitation in the UK."
Ayers, S. et al. A preliminary study of negative appraisals and dysfunctional coping associated with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following myocardial infarction. British Journal of Health Psychology, Vol. 14, September 2008, pp. 459-71.
Tags: Heart Health | Mental Health | UK News
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