749 Psychological and Behavioural Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Family Members of Patients Hospitalised following Unexpected Admission to Acute Cardiology and Intensive Care

Abstract

Little is known about the influence of stress on cardiovascular risk factors for relatives of hospitalised patients. 36 spouses and 4 parents of patients with unplanned admission to acute cardiology (n=20) and intensive care (ICU) (n=20) were assessed within 1 week of their relative’s hospitalisation, and at 2 weeks and 3 months post-discharge, and compared to 40 matched community controls. Assessments included symptoms of anxiety (STAI), depression (CES-D), and anger (STAS), behavioural factors questionnaire (alcohol diet, sleep) and blood lipid levels. Initial measures for study vs control participants were (mean±SD): anxiety 46.05±12.96 vs 27.90±5.48, depression 20.00±11.24 vs 5.75±4.88, and anger 17.78±4.64 vs 15.13±0.46, all p<0.001. Compared to controls, study participants reported eating less (p<0.001), decreased alcohol consumption (p=0.015), greater perception of sleep disturbance (p=0.001), lower perceived time asleep (p=0.006) lower quality of sleep (p=0.03) and lower triglycerides (p=0.03). Compared to initial measures, anxiety and depression levels were lower at 2-weeks and 3 months after hospital discharge. However, anxiety symptoms remained higher than in controls at 3 months. No significant differences were seen between participants in cardiology and ICU at admission, 2 weeks and 3 months post-discharge. Family members of patients with acute admissions to cardiology and ICU demonstrate increased psychological measures of cardiovascular risk and behavioural changes. While most changes resolved by 3 months post discharge, increased anxiety symptoms persisted. Further study is required to understand the impact of these risk factor changes in relatives of hospitalised patients.