Impact Anxiety on Quality of Life and Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Abstract

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are a common ischemic heart disease (IHD) with high morbidity and mortality. Anxiety is common among cardiac patients, has potentially serious consequences if untreated, and is infrequently assessed or managed appropriately. The co-occurrence of anxiety symptoms and ACS is responsible for decreasing the quality of life (QoL) of patients with ACS. Anxiety is a common emotional response among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Anxiety is frequently encountered in ACS. It is believed that the prevalence of anxiety among cardiac patients is between 15 and 50%. Patients with ACS often experience anxiety due to the sudden onset of symptoms, the potential severity of their condition, and the uncertainty of their prognosis. Anxiety can also be a risk factor for adverse cardiac events and may interfere with treatment adherence and rehabilitation efforts. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to recognize and address anxiety in patients with ACS. This can involve a combination of pharmacological interventions, such as benzodiazepines or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and non-pharmacological interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies. Additionally, healthcare providers can provide education and support to help patients better understand their condition and manage their symptoms. The importance of increased awareness and treatment of anxiety among patients with cardiac disease is stressed.