Psychological responses to acute coronary syndrome

Abstract

Psychological reactions to a cardiac event differ among patients, impacting upon individual presentation and recovery. Cognitive response to symptoms and resulting coping mechanisms will impact on how quickly a patient will seek help, comprehend, and adjust to their condition and engage in interpersonal relationships. Negative cognitive responses can result in, or be a product of, common mental health issues often seen following acute coronary syndrome including adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, anger, or hostility. The increasing recognition of the link between these negative emotions and cardiac disease has increased the focus on whether treatment can mitigate negative outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of elucidating beliefs and understanding around illness and targeting interventions appropriately to modify any maladaptive beliefs. This includes implementing routine screening processes that identify patients at risk of persistent mental health problems.