Abstract 14007: Decreased Perceived Social Support and Heart Rate Variability Are Associated With Hopelessness in Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Hopelessness is present in up to 52% of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and associated with a 3.4 times increased risk of death and adverse outcomes. Decreased perceived social support (PSS) has been associated with hopelessness in patients with IHD reporting moderate-severe hopelessness but has not been examined in a well-powered sample with varying levels of hopelessness. Increased PSS is associated with increased high frequency (HF) heart rate variability (HRV) in adults following a stressful event, but the relationship between HRV and hopelessness has not been examined in patients with IHD. Hypothesis: The purpose of this research was to test the hypotheses that 1) lower PSS would be associated with higher hopelessness, and 2) lower HF HRV would be associated with higher hopelessness. Methods: Utilizing a cross-sectional design, 178 participants were enrolled while hospitalized for an IHD event at one large hospital in the Midwestern United States. Data collection occurred two weeks after hospital discharge using the State-Trait Hopelessness Scale, ENRICHD Social Support Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, a demographic form, and a short-term HRV measurement at rest. Linear models were used to assess association between variables in unadjusted models and models adjusted for demographic and medical history. Results: Majority of participants were male (67%), married (67%), non-Hispanic white (92%), and underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (61%). There was a moderate inverse correlation between PSS and state ( r = -0.31, p < 0.001) and trait ( r = -0.28, p < 0.001) hopelessness in unadjusted models. The relationships remained significant in adjusted models and did not differ between groups comparing sex, type of IHD event, and marital status. There was a moderate inverse correlation between HF HRV and state hopelessness ( r = -0.24, p = 0.023). Results remained significant in adjusted models and did not differ between groups comparing sex, type of IHD event, and beta-blocker prescription. Conclusions: There were significant inverse associations between PSS and hopelessness and HF HRV and hopelessness. Persons with low PSS and/or HF HRV may be at greater risk for experiencing hopelessness following an IHD event.