Abstract P288: Exposure To Psychological And Physical Challenges Immediately Prior To Myocardial Infarction And Increased 10-year Mortality

Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between exposure to psychological (anger, anxiety) and physical (high activity levels, coffee consumption) challenge immediately prior to myocardial infarction (MI) as risk indicator of mortality at 10-year follow-up. Methods: Participants of the Determinants of Myocardial Infarction Onset Study (N=2176, mean age 60.1±12.5 yrs, 29.2% women) were interviewed to assess exposure to several potential triggers immediately prior to MI, including anger, anxiety, physical activity and coffee. All-cause mortality was assessed using the National Death Index for 10 years follow-up. We constructed Cox proportional hazards models with 95% confidence intervals to examine the relationship between exposure to these potential triggers in the 2 hours prior to MI onset and the rate of all-cause mortality, adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics. Results: Exposure to anger, anxiety, physical activity or coffee consumption prior to MI was associated with a 30% higher mortality rate over 10 years (HR=1.30, 95%CI=1.06-1.59, p =0.011) compared to patients who were not exposed to any of these potential triggers. This association was stronger for the first 3 years of follow-up (HR=1.59, 95%CI=1.16-2.19, p =0.004) and weaker for years 3 to 10 (HR=1.14, 95%CI=0.88-1.48, p =0.32). In separate analyses for each exposure, there was a higher mortality rate associated with anxiety (HR=1.44, 95%CI=1.09-1.91, p =0.010) and a suggestion of a higher rate for anger (HR=1.33, 95%CI=0.97-1.81, p =0.075), but no association for physical activity or coffee consumption. Sensitivity analyses showed stronger associations for women than men, and patients aged 65 and older compared to younger patients. Discussion: MI following episodes of anger, anxiety, physical activity or coffee consumption is associated with higher all-cause mortality in the following 10 years. This association was strongest for anxiety and slightly lower for anger but there was no evidence of a higher mortality rate among MI patients reporting physical activity or coffee consumption immediately prior to MI.