"It's about how you take in things with your brain" - young people's perspectives on mental health and help seeking: an interview study.

INTRODUCTION: Poor mental health in young people has become a growing problem globally over the past decades. However, young people have also been shown to underutilize available healthcare resources. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has formulated guidelines for youth-friendly health services (YFHSs) to increase youth participation in healthcare. Still, little is known about how young people using these services perceive mental health, indicating a knowledge gap concerning the subjective evaluation of their mental health. AIM: To investigate how young people visiting youth health clinics (YHC) perceive the concept of mental health and factors they view as central to maintaining mental health. METHODS: In total 21 interviews were carried out, 16 in 2018, and 5 in 2023 to assure no changes in findings after the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects were recruited during visits to youth health clinics (YHCs) in mid-Sweden and were aged 15-23 years. Recruitment strived to achieve heterogeneity in the sample concerning gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and age. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. FINDINGS: Findings of the analysis revealed two themes, "Mental health is helped and hindered by the surroundings" and "Mental health is difficult to understand and difficult to achieve". The participants described their health as highly dependent on their social surroundings, and that these are important to maintaining health but may also affect health negatively. They described mixed experiences of the health care services and mentioned prerequisites for seeking care for mental health problems such as accessibility and respect for their integrity, including the right to turn down offered treatment. The informants also viewed mental health as an ongoing undertaking that one must work for, and that it is sometimes difficult to know what constitutes mental health. They also expressed a need from healthcare services to enquire about their health, and to show an active interest in how they are doing. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underline the need of young people's individual needs to be met in the healthcare system and their vulnerability to their social surroundings. Health status assessments in young people should consider social and individual factors to fully capture mental health.

Association of Anxiety and Recurrent Cardiovascular Events: Investigating Different Aspects of Anxiety.

AIMS: While elevated levels of anxiety are associated with worse prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), this association may vary between different aspects of anxiety. The aim of this study was to analyse self-reported behavioural, physiological, affective, and cognitive aspects of anxiety and their relation to the risk of recurrent CV events. METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective cohort study utilized data from the U-CARE Heart trial. Participants (N = 935, post myocardial infarction) answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS: Anxiety subscale) and the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ: Fear, Avoidance & Attention subscales). HADS Anxiety reflected physiological aspects, CAQ Fear reflected cognitive and affective aspects, CAQ Avoidance reflected behavioural aspects, and CAQ Attention reflected cognitive aspects of anxiety. Cox Regression was used to estimate the risk between anxiety and recurrent major adverse cardiac event (MACE). During the follow-up period (mean 2.9 years), 124 individuals (13%) experienced a specified MACE endpoint. HADS Anxiety and CAQ Total were both associated with increased risk of MACE (HR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.15-2.02 and HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04-1.64, respectively). Among the CAQ subscales, there was support for an association between Avoidance and risk of MACE (HR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.15-1.64), but not for Attention and Fear. CONCLUSION: The results support that anxiety is associated with an increased risk of recurrent MACE in post-MI patients. The association between anxiety and risk was strong for the aspects of anxiety relating to behaviour and physiology, while the support for an association with cognitive and affective aspects was lacking.

The Sukaribit Smartphone App for Better Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study.

BACKGROUND: A new app, Sukaribit, was designed to enable contact between the caregiver and the patient with the intent to improve self-care and glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]). OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the feasibility of the study methodology and the intervention in preparation for a larger effectiveness study. METHODS: Adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited in this randomized controlled feasibility study with a mixed methods design. The intervention group (n=28) tried Sukaribit for 2 months. They were encouraged to report blood glucose levels and medications, and they received feedback from a physician. The control group (n=31) received standard care. Both groups were evaluated with pre and postmeasurements of glycemic control (HbA1c), diabetes distress, physical activity, and self-care. Feasibility was evaluated against 5 progression criteria regarding recruitment, study methods, and active participation. RESULTS: Of the 5 progression criteria, only 2 were met or partially met. The recruitment process exceeded expectations, and data collection worked well for self-reported data but not for HbA1c measured with a home testing kit. The participants were less active than anticipated, and the effect sizes were small. Only the number of blood glucose tests per day was positively affected by the intervention, with 0.6 more tests per day in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment of participants to a future fully powered study may work with minor adjustments. The collection of HbA1c using home testing constituted a major problem, and an alternative strategy is warranted. Finally, the app was not used as intended. In order to proceed with a larger study, the app and study procedures need improvement.

Randomized evaluation of routine beta-blocker therapy after myocardial infarction quality of life (RQoL): design and rationale of a multicentre, prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint study.

Aims: Most cases of acute myocardial infarction (MI) in Sweden are treated with long-term ß-blocker therapy as secondary prevention. Case studies and patient reports have indicated negative effects of ß-blockers including symptoms of depression, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and general low mood, all related to reduced quality of life (QoL). To date, no recent large-scale, randomized trial has explored the effects of ß-blockers on these factors. Methods and results: The ongoing Randomized Evaluation of Decreased Usage of beta-bloCkErs after myocardial infarction (REDUCE): quality of life (RQoL) study is a multicentre, prospective, randomized pre-specified substudy aiming to evaluate the effects of ß-blockers on self-reported measures of QoL. Following randomized allocation to long-term ß-blocker or no ß-blocker treatment, patients complete a total of six baseline measures pertaining to QoL, sexual functioning, and perceived side effects. Data collection is optionally carried out online through a unique and secure portal and repeated again at two follow-up time points. Recruitment began in July 2018. Data from the first 100 patients showed that at the first follow-up, 93% had completed the questionnaires, which decreased to 81% at the second follow-up. The method of digital data collection was utilized by over half of the patients recruited so far. Conclusion: Data from the first 100 patients indicate success in terms of study design and recruitment. The RQoL substudy investigates the effects of ß-blockers on self-reported measures of QoL in MI patients and will potentially contribute to the limited knowledge of QoL-related side effects reported in conjunction with ß-blocker use. Clinical trial registration: Eudra CT number, 2017-002336-17; Clinical trial.gov identifier, NCT03278509.

Long-term effects on depression and anxiety of an internet-based stepped care intervention for patients with cancer and symptoms of depression and anxiety. The U-CARE AdultCan trial.

Background: Cancer is a serious disease that commonly causes significant psychological distress. The internet-based intervention (iCAN-DO), utilizing a stepped care approach for the treatment of anxiety and depression in individuals with cancer, has been shown to have favorable results for symptoms of depression at the primary endpoint, 10 months after randomization compared to standard care (SC). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effects of the intervention 18 and 24 months after randomization. Methods: Patients with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer and a score > 7 on either of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) subscales (n = 245) were recruited to the study in conjunction with a regular hospital visit. They were randomized to access to the stepwise iCAN-DO intervention for 24 months or to SC. Step 1 of the intervention comprised psycho-educative online material. In Step 2, internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy with individual online support from a therapist was added. Step 2 was offered to those who reported persistent anxiety or depression symptoms (>7 on HADS), also at 1, 4, and/or 7 months after randomization. Missing data were imputed using the last rank carried forward method and used for the main analyses according to the intention-to-treat approach. Effects sizes (Cohen's d), and minimally clinically important difference (MCID) were calculated. Linear mixed models were used to analyze intervention effects over time. Results: Symptoms of depression decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the iCAN-DO group compared with the SC group from baseline to 18 months (d = 0.29), but not to 24 months (d = 0.27). Even though the average iCAN-DO group participant surpassed a MCID in symptoms of anxiety (>2 p) at both long-term follow-ups, the differences did not reach statistical significance, either at 18 months (p = 0.10) or 24 months (p = 0.09). Positive effects of iCAN-DO compared with the SC were also shown for some secondary HRQoL-outcomes; social functioning at 18 months (p = 0.02) and 24 months (p = 0.001), and sleep problems at 24 months (p = 0.01). Conclusion: A stepped-care internet-based intervention that has previously shown positive results for symptoms of depression at 10 months did show similar positive long-term effects also at 18 months. For symptoms of anxiety, no effect could be shown. The internet may provide an effective format for interventions to reduce symptoms of depression after cancer at patients' own choice of time, regardless of distance to a psycho-oncology clinic.

Management of emotional distress following a myocardial infarction: a qualitative content analysis.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Emotional distress, such as anxiety and depression, are common among MI patients. The aim of this study was to investigate emotional reactions following MI and to explore how MI patients self-manage their emotional distress using the perspective of an explanatory behavioural model of depression and anxiety. Written testimonies from 92 MI patients starting an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) were analysed using qualitative content analysis with a mixed deductive and inductive approach. Six themes were identified. The first three highlight the emotional reactions post-MI: Hypoarousal reactions and low mood; Hyperarousal reactions; and A changed sense of self and outlook on life. The following three themes describe strategies for managing emotional distress: Avoidance of potentially rewarding situations; Avoidance of heart relevant stimuli triggering anxiety; and Engaging in potentially positive activities and acceptance. The MI experience may trigger emotional reactions, with a particular emphasis on heart-focused anxiety, depression and a shift in the perception of one's identity. Patients tend to manage emotional distress through social withdrawal and experiential avoidance which likely maintains the distress. Applying a behavioural model to the management of emotional distress following MI is suited.

The factor structure of the cardiac anxiety questionnaire, and validation in a post-MI population.

BACKGROUND: CVD-patients with higher levels of cardiac anxiety suffer psychologically, as well as being at increased risk for cardiac morbidity and mortality. Therefore it is important to be able to assess CA in a clinical setting. It is currently measured with the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, which has conflicting findings regarding its factor structure, and it has not been validated in a Swedish population. This study aimed to examine the factor structure of CAQ and its psychometric properties in a Swedish CVD-population. METHODS: Nine hundred thirty patients post-MI were recruited at different Swedish hospitals and completed the CAQ, along with several other questionnaires. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to explore factor structure and to inspect various factor solutions from previous research. Standard psychometric tests were performed for the CAQ to test its validity and reliability. RESULTS: The exploratory analysis found a model with the factors Fear/Worry, Avoidance and Attention. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a 3-factor solution best fitted the data, but with certain items removed. Additionally, psychometric properties turned out acceptable in a Swedish post-MI population. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the original 3-factor structure of the CAQ is valid, but that the questionnaire could be revised in regard to some items. A shorter 10-items version could also be considered. We also confirm that the CAQ is a valid instrument to measure CA in a Swedish MI-population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov on 05/01/2012 (NCT01504191).

The e-mental health treatment in Stockholm myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronaries or Takotsubo syndrome study (E-SMINC): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In the aftermath of a myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) or Takotsubo syndrome (TS), patients commonly express high levels of stress and anxiety. Current treatment alternatives rarely address these issues. METHODS: The study is a randomised controlled trial, where 90 patients with a discharge diagnosis of MINOCA or TS who also report symptoms of stress or anxiety will be randomised 2-6 weeks after their cardiac event. The treatment consists of 10 weeks of Internet-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and starts immediately after randomisation for the treatment group. The control group receives usual care. Main outcomes are symptoms of anxiety measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, anxiety subscale, and perceived stress measured with the Perceived Stress Scale, 14-item version, 10 weeks after randomisation. Secondary measures include cardiac specific anxiety, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, quality of life, cortisol measured in hair and physiological stress responses (heart rate variability, blood pressure and saliva cortisol) during a stress procedure. Ten weeks after randomisation, the control group will also receive treatment. Long-term follow-up in the self-report measures mentioned above will be conducted 20 and 50 weeks after randomisation where the total group's development over time is followed, and the groups receiving intervention early versus late compared. DISCUSSION: At present, there are no randomised studies evaluating psychological treatment for patients with MINOCA or TS. There is an urgent need for treatment alternatives aiming at relieving stress and anxiety considering the high mental stress and anxiety levels observed in MINOCA and TS, leading to decreased quality of life. CBT aiming at reducing mental stress has been shown to be effective regarding prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease. The current protocol describes a randomised open-label controlled trial evaluating an Internet-based CBT program for reduction of stress and anxiety in patients with increased mental stress and/or anxiety with a discharge diagnosis of either MINOCA or TS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04178434 . Registered on 26 November 2019.

Association between ß-blocker dose and quality of life after myocardial infarction: a real-world Swedish register-linked study.

BACKGROUND: ß-blockers are routinely administered to patients following myocardial infarction (MI), yet their potential effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is not entirely understood. We investigated the relationship between two different doses of ß-blockers with HRQoL following MI. METHODS AND RESULTS: This nationwide observational study used Swedish national registries to collate sociodemographic, clinical, medication, and HRQoL {the latter operationalized using EuroQol [European Quality of Life Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D)]}. Estimates at 6-10 weeks and 12-14 months post-MI follow-up from pooled linear and logistic models were calculated after multiple imputation. We identified 35 612 patients with first-time MI, discharged with ß-blockers, and enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation between 2006 and 2015. Upon discharge, patients were either dispensed <50% [24 082 (67.6%)] or ≥50% [11 530 (32.4%)] of the target dosage, as defined in previous trials. After adjusting for pre-defined covariates, neither the EQ-5D Index nor the Emotional Distress items were statistically different between groups. The EQ-VAS score was significantly lower in patients treated with ≥50% target ß-blocker dose than those treated with <50% of the target dose [-0.87 [-1.23, -0.46], P < .001]. Results were similar at the 12-month follow-up and across sub-groups separated by sex and age. CONCLUSION: No difference in HRQoL was found among patients taking <50% vs. ≥50% of the target ß-blocker dose, except for the EQ-VAS in which higher scores were reported in those taking a lower dose. The clinical meaningfulness of this statistical significance is likely low.

Self-perceived cognitive status and cognitive challenges associated with cardiac rehabilitation management: experiences of elderly myocardial infarction patients.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to explore the self-perceived cognitive status and cognitive challenges associated with lifestyle changes in cardiac rehabilitation among elderly myocardial infarction (MI) patients (≥65 years). Further, the study explored coping strategies developed to manage these challenges in the everyday life. METHODS: Nine patients were included in the study. Data were collected by telephone or in person, between 6 and 12 weeks post MI, using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed inductively, using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four major themes were identified, highlighting elderly MI patients' experiences of their cognitive status and cardiac rehabilitation management: (1) A change in cognition over time, (2) Situating the MI within a challenging and changing life context, (3) Navigating the hurdles of cardiac rehabilitation, and (4) Being seen within the healthcare system. CONCLUSION: Elderly MI patients are situated in a complex life context, dealing with a transition to retirement, multiple health issues and age-related cognitive decline. In this context, the MI experience is marginalised, and cognitive decline normalized. By adopting individually tailored interventions and improving healthcare provider continuity and accessibility, cognitive challenges associated with cardiac rehabilitation could be easier to overcome.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONSelf-perceived cognitive impairment, in particular regarding memory, seems fairly common among elderly MI patients and should likely be identified prior to hospital discharge in order to optimize the prospects of self-care.There seems to exist an unmet need to implement the practice of individually adapted education and information further, in accordance with current recommendations for elderly cardiac patients.The overall health and cognitive status, social network and the objective living conditions (e.g., distance from service and housing) should be taken into account when planning the patient's cardiac rehabilitation management.Healthcare providers likely need to strengthen the continuity of care and increase its accessibility for elderly MI patients, in particular following the transfer from hospital care to local health centres.

Commencement of and Retention in Web-Based Interventions and Response to Prompts and Reminders: Longitudinal Observational Study Based on Two Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Web-based interventions are effective for several psychological problems. However, recruitment, adherence, and missing data are challenges when evaluating these interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the use patterns during the commencement phase, possible retention patterns (continuation of data provision), and responses to prompts and reminders among participants in 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating web-based interventions. METHODS: Data on use patterns logged in 2 RCTs aiming to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression among adult patients recently diagnosed with cancer (AdultCan RCT) and patients with a recent myocardial infarction (Heart RCT) were analyzed. The web-based intervention in the AdultCan trial consisted of unguided self-help and psychoeducation and that in the Heart trial consisted of therapist-supported cognitive behavioral therapy. In total, 2360 participants' use patterns at first log-in, including data collection at baseline (ie, commencement) and at 2 follow-ups, were analyzed. Both the intervention and comparison groups were analyzed. RESULTS: At commencement, 70.85% (909/1283) and 86.82% (935/1077) of the participants in AdultCan and Heart RCTs, respectively, logged in and completed baseline data collection after receiving a welcome email with log-in credentials. The median duration of the first log-in was 44 minutes and 38 minutes in AdultCan and Heart RCTs, respectively. Slightly less than half of the participants' first log-ins were completed outside standard office hours. More than 80% (92/114 and 103/111) of the participants in both trials explored the intervention within 2 weeks of being randomized to the treatment group, with a median duration of 7 minutes and 47 minutes in AdultCan and Heart RCTs, respectively. There was a significant association between intervention exploration time during the first 2 weeks and retention in the Heart trial but not in the AdultCan trial. However, the control group was most likely to retain and provide complete follow-up data. Across the 3 time points of data collection explored in this study, the proportion of participants responding to all questionnaires within 1 week from the prompt, without a reminder, varied between 35.45% (413/1165) and 66.3% (112/169). After 2 reminders, up to 97.6% (165/169) of the participants responded. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants in both RCTs completed the baseline questionnaires within 1 week of receiving the welcome email. Approximately half of them answered questions at baseline data collection outside office hours, suggesting that the time flexibility inherent in web-based interventions contributes to commencement and use. In contrast to what was expected, the intervention groups generally had lower completion rates than the comparison groups. About half of the participants completed the questionnaires without a reminder, but thereafter, reminders contributed to both baseline and follow-up retention, suggesting they were effective. Strategies to increase commencement of and retention in eHealth interventions are important for the future development of effective interventions and relevant research.

Factors associated with measles vaccination status in children under the age of three years in a post-soviet context: a cross-sectional study using the DHS VII in Armenia.

BACKGROUND: The resurgence of measles globally and the increasing number of unvaccinated clusters call for studies exploring factors that influence measles vaccination uptake. Armenia is a middle-income post-Soviet country with an officially high vaccination coverage. However, concerns about vaccine safety are common. The purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of measles vaccination coverage in children under three years of age and to identify factors that are associated with measles vaccination in Armenia by using nationally representative data. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis using self-report data from the most recent Armenian Demographic Health Survey (ADHS VII 2015/16) was conducted. Among 588 eligible women with a last-born child aged 12-35 months, 63 women were excluded due to unknown status of measles vaccination, resulting in 525 women included in the final analyses. We used logistic regression models in order to identify factors associated with vaccination status in the final sample. Complex sample analyses were used to account for the study design. RESULTS: In the studied population 79.6% of the children were vaccinated against measles. After adjusting for potential confounders, regression models showed that the increasing age of the child (AOR 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.12), secondary education of the mothers (AOR 3.38, 95% CI: 1.17-9.76) and attendance at postnatal check-up within two months after birth (AOR 2.71, 95% CI: 1.17-6.30) were significantly associated with the vaccination status of the child. CONCLUSIONS: The measles vaccination coverage among the children was lower than the recommended percentage. The study confirmed the importance of maternal education and attending postnatal care visits. However, the study also showed that there might be potential risks for future measles outbreaks because of delayed vaccinations and a large group of children with an unknown vaccination status.

Association between ß-blocker dose and cardiovascular outcomes after myocardial infarction: insights from the SWEDEHEART registry.

AIMS: Dose-dependent effects of ß-blockers on survival and cardiovascular outcomes after myocardial infarction (MI) are not well understood. We investigated the long-term risk of cardiovascular events in patients with different doses of ß-blockers after MI. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a nationwide observational study linking morbidity, mortality, socioeconomic, and medication data from Swedish national registries. Between 2006 and 2015, 97 575 unique patients with first-time MI were included. In total, 33 126 (33.9%) patients were discharged with ≥50% of the target ß-blocker dose and 64 449 (66.1%) patients with <50% of the target ß-blocker dose used in previous randomized trials. The primary composite endpoint was re-infarction or all-cause death within 1 year from discharge. Multivariable adjusted 1-year follow-up estimates using mixed effects Cox regression [HR (95% CI)] showed that patients treated with ≥50% of the target dose had a similar risk of the composite endpoint [1.03 (0.99-1.08)] and a somewhat higher risk when stroke, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure hospitalization were added to the composite endpoint [1.08 (1.04-1.12)], compared with patients on <50% of the target ß-blocker dose. Results remained similar up to 5 years of follow-up and consistent across relevant patient subgroups, including patients who developed heart failure during the index hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to doses of ß-blockers used in previous trials, ≥50% of the target ß-blocker dose was not associated with superior cardiovascular outcomes up to 5 years as compared with <50% of the target dose. Contemporary randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify the optimal dose of ß-blockers after MI.

Designing a Web-Based Psychological Intervention for Patients With Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries: User-Centered Design Approach.

BACKGROUND: The involvement of patient research partners (PRPs) in research aims to safeguard the needs of patient groups and produce new interventions that are developed based on patient input. Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), unlike acute myocardial infarction (MI) with obstructive coronary arteries, is presented with no significant obstructive coronary artery disease. Patients with this diagnosis are a subset of those diagnosed with traditional MI and often need more psychological support, something that is presently not established in the current treatment scheme in Swedish health care or elsewhere, to our knowledge. An internet-delivered intervention might offer patients with MINOCA the opportunity to access a psychological treatment that is tailored to their specific needs after MINOCA and could therefore supplement the existing medical care in an easily accessible format. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe the development of a therapist-guided, internet-delivered psychological intervention designed specifically for patients with MINOCA. METHODS: The study used a participatory design that involved 7 PRPs diagnosed with MINOCA who collaborated with a team consisting of researchers, cardiologists, and psychologists. Intervention content was developed iteratively and presented to the PRPs across several prototypes, each continually adjusted and redesigned according to the feedback received. The intervention and experience of it were discussed by PRPs in a final meeting and then presented to a panel of 2 clinical psychologists and a cardiologist for further input. RESULTS: The outcome of the collaboration between PRPs and the research group produced a web-based psychological 9-step program focusing on stress, worry, and valued action. The input from PRPs contributed substantially to the therapy content, homework tasks, interactive activities, multimedia, and design presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Working with PRPs to develop an intervention for people with MINOCA produced a web-based intervention that can be further evaluated with the goal of offering a new psychological treatment option to a patient group currently without one. Direct contribution from PRPs enabled us to obtain relevant, insightful, and valuable feedback that was put towards the overall design and content of the intervention.

Cardiac rehabilitation goal attainment after myocardial infarction with versus without diabetes: A nationwide registry study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with first-time myocardial infarction (MI) and diabetes mellitus (DM) constitute a vulnerable subgroup of cardiovascular (CV) patients for which secondary prevention is particularly important. We investigated if patients with versus without DM differ in attaining four main lifestyle-related cardiac rehabilitation (CR) targets, one-year post-MI. METHODS: This national cohort study (2006-2015) identified individuals with and without DM at hospital admission in the Swedish cardiac registry, SWEDEHEART. CR goal attainment was assessed one year later. The study population included 47,907 unique patients with first-time MI <75 years at baseline (61.8 mean age, 26.7% women, 14.6% with DM). After imputation, propensity score matching was performed. Analyses were conducted with logistic regression. RESULTS: In the matched population, having DM was associated (OR [95% CI]) with lower odds of attaining the one-year post-MI CR goal for both smoking cessation (0.90 [0.81, 0.99]) and attendance in exercise training (0.88 [0.83, 0.95]), yet with higher odds of the <1.8 mmol LDL-C target (1.28 [1.19, 1.36]), and similar odds for the <140 mm Hg systolic blood pressure target (0.97 [0.91, 1.04]). In addition, women with DM were particularly unlikely to attend exercise training. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with first-time MI and DM are less likely to attain two of four selected CR goals compared to those without DM. The particularly low exercise training attendance by women with DM is of concern. Possibilities for tailored interventions targeting behavioural change for this high-risk group, including focused efforts to increase exercise training attendance in women with DM, should be investigated.

The effect of group-based cognitive behavioral therapy on inflammatory biomarkers in patients with coronary heart disease-results from the SUPRIM-trial.

BACKGROUND: The Secondary Prevention in Uppsala Primary Healthcare Project (SUPRIM) is a prospective randomized controlled trial of a group-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) stress management program for coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. The intervention reduced the risk of fatal or non-fatal first recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events. The aim of the present study was to analyze if the positive effects of the CBT program on clinical outcomes could have been mediated by changes in biomarkers for inflammation. METHODS: Altogether 362 patients with CHD were randomly assigned to intervention or usual care. The inflammatory biomarkers (VCAM-1, TNF-R1, TNF-R2, PTX3, and hs-CRP) were serially assessed at five time points every six months from study start until 24 months later, and analyzed with linear mixed models. RESULTS: Baseline levels of the inflammatory markers were near normal, indicating a stable phase. The group-based CBT stress management program did not significantly affect the levels of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with CHD. Three out of five (VCAM-1, TNF-R2, and PTX3) inflammatory biomarkers showed a slight increase over time in both study groups, and all were positively associated with age. CONCLUSION: Group-based CBT stress management did not affect biomarkers for inflammation in patients with CHD. It is therefore unlikely that inflammatory processes including these biomarkers were mediating the effect the CBT program had on the reduction in CV events. The close to normal baseline levels of the biomarkers and the lack of elevated psychological distress symptoms indicate a possible floor effect which may have influenced the results.

Treatment of depression and anxiety with internet-based cognitive behavior therapy in patients with a recent myocardial infarction (U-CARE Heart): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Major depression and depressive symptoms are common in patients with a recent myocardial infarction (MI), and depression is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Anxiety post-MI is less studied, but occurs commonly in patients with heart disease, and is also considered a risk factor for recurrence of cardiac events. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an established therapy for depression and anxiety disorders. To the best of our knowledge, there have not been any studies to determine if internet-based CBT (iCBT) can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with a recent MI. The main aim of the U-CARE Heart trial is to evaluate an iCBT intervention for patients with a recent MI. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a randomized, controlled, prospective study with a multicenter design. A total of 500 participants will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio, around two months after an acute MI, to either iCBT or to a control group. Both groups will receive an optimal standard of care according to guidelines. The intervention consists of a self-help program delivered via the internet with individual online support from a psychologist. Treatment duration is 14 weeks. The primary outcome is change in patients' self-rated anxiety and depression symptoms from baseline to end of treatment. An internal pilot study was conducted indicating sufficient levels of study acceptability and engagement in treatment. DISCUSSION: The present study is designed to evaluate an iCBT intervention targeting symptoms of depression and anxiety in a post-MI population. If effective, iCBT has several advantages, and will potentially be implemented as an easily accessible treatment option added to modern standard of care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT01504191 ) on 19 December 2011.

Adolescent girls with emotional disorders have a lower end-tidal CO2 and increased respiratory rate compared with healthy controls.

Hyperventilation has been linked to emotional distress in adults. This study investigates end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2 ), respiratory rate (RR), and heart rate variability (HRV) in adolescent girls with emotional disorders and healthy controls. ETCO2 , RR, HRV, and ratings of emotional symptom severity were collected in adolescent female psychiatric patients with emotional disorders (n = 63) and healthy controls (n = 62). ETCO2 and RR differed significantly between patients and controls. ETCO2, HR, and HRV were significant independent predictors of group status, that is, clinical or healthy, while RR was not. ETCO2 and RR were significantly related to emotional symptom severity and to HRV in the total group. ETCO2 and RR were not affected by use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is concluded that emotional dysregulation is related to hyperventilation in adolescent girls. Respiratory-based treatments may be relevant to investigate in future research.

Effects of heart rate variability biofeedback in subjects with stress-related chronic neck pain: a pilot study.

Recent studies focusing on autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunctions, together with theoretical pathophysiological models of musculoskeletal disorders, indicate the involvement of ANS regulation in development and maintenance of chronic muscle pain. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback (BF) in increasing HRV and reducing the symptoms of different disorders characterized by ANS aberration. The study investigated the effects of resonance frequency HRV BF on autonomic regulation and perceived health, pain, stress and disability in 24 subjects with stress-related chronic neck-shoulder pain. Twelve subjects participated in 10 weekly sessions of resonant HRV BF and were compared to a control group. Subjective reports and HRV measures during relaxation and in response to a standardized stress protocol were assessed for both groups pre- and post-intervention. Group × time interactions revealed a significantly stronger increase over time in perceived health (SF-36) for the treatment group, including vitality, bodily pain and social functioning. Interactions were also seen for HRV during relaxation and reactivity to stress. The present pilot study indicates improvement in perceived health over a 10 week intervention with HRV-biofeedback in subjects with chronic neck-pain. Increased resting HRV as well as enhanced reactivity to hand grip and cold pressor tests might reflect beneficial effects on ANS regulation, and suggest that this intervention protocol is suitable for a larger controlled trial.

Relaxing on a bed of nails: an exploratory study of the effects on the autonomic, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems, and saliva cortisol.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated subjective and physiologic responses of lying on a bed of nails (BN) called the Shakti-mat and of listening to relaxing instructions and music. The BN has 6210 sharp-edge 5-mm plastic nails about 5 mm apart. DESIGN: Thirty-two (32) healthy participants went through four conditions in randomized orders combining BN and relaxing instructions. RESULTS: The subjective pain ratings on the BN increased immediately and reached a peak within 30 seconds. The pain then subsided gradually, indicating a habituation effect. Self-rated relaxation increased over time in all conditions. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher, heart rate was slower, and there was more high-frequency power heart rate variability (HRV), and signs of increasing circulation in the back on the BN. The relaxation instruction especially affected breathing and the HRV-indices standard deviations of normal interbeat intervals and low-frequency power, both known to be responsive to slow breathing. There were no differences in saliva cortisol. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy participants habituated to the induced pain on the BN and were able to subjectively relax. When on a BN, signs of both sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity were observed. The pain may hypothetically have triggered a parasympathetic response.