Last update:

   16-Jul-2014
 

Arch Hellen Med, 31(4), July-August 2014, 403-411

REVIEW

Anxiety and coronary artery disease

M. Polikandrioti,1 C. Olympios2
1Department of Nursing, Technological Educational Institute, Athens
2"Thriassio" General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death and a major cause of disability in both men and women, globally. During recent years, the impact of psychosocial distress on coronary artery disease morbidity and mortality has received a great deal of attention. Specifically, increased prevalence of anxiety is documented in patients with coronary artery disease and anxiety exerts negative acute and long-term effects on the outcome of the disease. Health professionals tend to focus on the treatment of coronary artery disease, underestimating problems arising from the mental dimensions. This review explores the relationship between anxiety and coronary artery disease.

Key words: Anxiety, Assessment of anxiety, Coronary artery disease, Treatment.


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