"Recognition of heart attack symptoms and treatment-seeking behaviors: a multi-center survey in Tehran, Iran".

BACKGROUND: In acute myocardial infarction (AMI), timely recognition of symptoms and early hospital presentation positively affect patient morbidity and mortality. Due to the high burden of ischemic heart disease in Iran, this study aimed to identify factors affecting the level of knowledge, responses at the time of AMI onset, and sources of health information among the Iranian population. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted in three tertiary hospitals in Tehran, Iran. An expert-validated questionnaire was used to obtain data. A total of 400 individuals were enrolled. RESULT: Among the respondents, 285 people(71.3%) considered "chest pain or discomfort," and 251 (62.7%) regarded "pain or discomfort in the arm or shoulder" as MI symptoms. Approximately 288 (72.0%) respondents had poor knowledge of the AMI symptoms. Knowledge of symptoms was higher among those with higher levels of education, those with medical-associated jobs, and those who resided in the capital areas. Major risk factors identified by the participants were: anxiety (340)(85.0%), obesity (327)(81.8%), an unhealthy diet (325)(81.3%), and the presence of high LDL levels (258)(64.5%) and Diabetes Mellitus (164)(41.0%) were less appreciated. Calling an ambulance (286)(71.5%) was the most common treatment-seeking behavior in the case of a suspected heart attack. CONCLUSION: It is vital to educate the general population about AMI symptoms, particularly those with comorbidities at the greatest risk for an AMI episode.

Diagnostic accuracy of two-dimensional coronary angiographic-derived fractional flow reserve-Preliminary results.

AIM: Noninvasive fractional flow reserve (NiFFR) is an emerging method for evaluating the functional significance of a coronary lesion during diagnostic coronary angiography (CAG). The method relies on the computational flow dynamics and the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the vessel extracted from CAG. In the present study, we sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance and applicability of 2D-based NiFFR. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, we evaluated 2D-based NiFFR in 279 candidates for invasive CAG and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR). NiFFR was calculated via two methods: variable NiFFR, in which the contrast transport time was extracted from the angiographic view, and fixed NiFFR, in which a prespecified frame count was applied. RESULTS: The final analysis was performed on 245 patients (250 lesions). Variable NiFFR had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 81.5%, an accuracy of 80.0%, a sensitivity of 82.2%, a specificity of 82.2%, a negative predictive value of 91.4%, and a positive predictive value of 63.6%. The mean difference between FFR and NiFFR was -0.0244 ±.0616 (p ≤.0001). A pressure wire-free hybrid strategy was possible in 68.8% of our population with variable NiFFR. CONCLUSIONS: Our 2D-based NiFFR yielded results comparable to those derived from 3D-based software. Our findings should; however, be confirmed in larger trials.

Management of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak: Iranian"247" National Committee's position paper on primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

World Health Organization has designated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as a pandemic. During the past several weeks, a considerable burden has been imposed on the Iranian's healthcare system. The present document reviewed the latest evidence and expert opinion regarding the management of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction during the outbreak of COVID-19 and outlines a practical algorithm for it.

Cardiovascular Complications of COVID-19: Pharmacotherapy Perspective.

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is spreading rapidly the world over. The disease was declared "pandemic" by the World Health Organization. An approved therapy for patients with COVID-19 has yet to emerge; however, there are some medications used in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection globally including hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir, dexamethasone, protease inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory agents. Patients with underlying cardiovascular disease are at increased risk of mortality and morbidity from COVID-19. Moreover, patients with chronic stable states and even otherwise healthy individuals might sustain acute cardiovascular problems due to COVID-19 infection. This article seeks to review the latest evidence with a view to explaining possible pharmacotherapies for the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 including acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, myocarditis, arrhythmias, and venous thromboembolism, as well as possible interactions between these medications and those currently administered (or under evaluation) in the treatment of COVID-19.

COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Diseases.

We herein seek to expound on up-to-the-minute information regarding cardiovascular disease in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by highlighting acute myocardial injury caused by COVID-19 and probing into its pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnostic tests, and treatment modalities. We aim to share the latest research findings vis-à-vis cardiovascular disease patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 on the association between hypertension and this infectious disease along with the relevant recommendations; describe the mechanism of coronary artery disease in such patients together with the necessary measures in the setting of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and chronic coronary syndrome; discuss tachy- and bradyarrhythmias in the COVID-19 setting alongside their treatments; elucidate coagulopathies, venous thromboembolism, and its prophylactic measures in the context of this infection; set out the cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocol as well as the pertinent safety concerns during the current pandemic; and, finally, explicate drug-drug interactions between COVID-19 and cardiovascular medication in hypertension, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, venous thromboembolism, and arrhythmias.

The Effect of an Empowerment Program on the Perceived Risk and Physical Health of Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

This study was conducted to assess the effect of an empowerment program on the perceived risk and physical health of patients with coronary artery disease. This randomized clinical trial recruited 84 patients with coronary artery disease admitted to post-cardiac care unit (CCU) wards in Tehran Heart Center in 2017. The study subjects were selected and assessed according to inclusion criteria and assigned to intervention and control groups by block randomization. Both groups completed questionnaires for demographic details and disease history, perceived risk in cardiac patients, and physical health. The Magic Empowerment Program was performed for the intervention group as 3 workshops on 3 successive days. Intervention continued after patients' discharge from the hospital through phone calls once a week for 8 weeks. The perceived risk in cardiac patients and physical health questionnaires were completed for both groups. Postintervention results showed significant differences between the 2 groups in total score of perceived risk (P = .001) and its subscales. The Empowerment Program changed patients' attitudes toward risk-motivating behavior change and improving physical health.

Single-session double valve replacement: TAVI+tricuspid valve-in-valve procedures.

We describe a 70-year-old lady with rheumatic heart disease and a history of the mitral valve and tricuspid valve replacement, who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation and the tricuspid valve-in-valve procedure in a single session.

Mitral valve-in-valve replacement supported by a transapically snared guidewire via septostomy.

We describe a 72-year-old woman, a known case of rheumatic heart disease with a history of mitral and aortic valve replacement 8 years previously, who underwent mitral valve-in-valve replacement supported by a transapically snared guidewire through septostomy.

Board examination stress effect on diastolic function.

BACKGROUND: To this date, effects of mental stress on cardiac function have not been clearly investigated. Although hemodynamic and neuroendocrine adverse effects of daily mental stress on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality have been reported, its direct impact on diastolic function of the heart has not been previously studied. In this study, we aimed to assess the role of Board Exam anxiety on right and left ventricular diastolic function in medical residents. METHODS: Forty medical residents prior to participation in the medical board exam were enrolled in our study. Right prior to as well as 2 month after the exam, all residents underwent trans-thoracic Doppler echocardiography. Right ventricular systolic and diastolic functions and echocardiography indices were measured. Levels of anxiety were measured using Beck Anxiety Inventory Questionnaire before and after the exam. Pre exam and post exam results of study population as well as low and high anxiety groups were evaluated. RESULTS: Early to late mitral inflow velocity (E/A ratio) in LV inflow increased after board exam (P-value <.001). E/A ratio in RV inflow increased after board exam (P-value: .002). Early mitral inflow to its annular velocity (E/E' ratio) in septal wall decreased after board exam (P-value<.001). The change in E/E' RV free wall did not reach statistical significance (P = .57). Mitral annuls velocities measured by TDI in septal and lateral wall and also tricuspid annulus velocity increased after board exam (P-value<.05). The comparison of these changes between the high-stress and low-stress groups of residents revealed significant differences. Comparison of changes of E/A ratio in the mitral and tricuspid inflow as well as the E/E' in the septum and free wall of the right ventricle before and after the Board Exam between high-stress and low-stress groups was not statistically significant, although there was a trend of more changes in high- stress group residents. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of comprehensive sequential assessment of left and right ventricular diastolic functions during and after a real subacute stress occasion. The finding of a decreased E/A and E' in response to mental stress suggests that repetitive mental stress may induce diastolic dysfunction which is a mechanism of diastolic heart failure in individuals at risk.

CHA2DS2-VASc Score as an Independent Predictor of Suboptimal Reperfusion and Short-Term Mortality after Primary PCI in Patients with Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

We aimed to demonstrate the clinical utility of CHA2DS2-VASc score in risk assessment of patients with STEMI regarding adverse clinical outcomes particularly no-reflow phenomenon. We designed a retrospective cohort study using the data of Tehran Heart Center registry for acute coronary syndrome. The study included 1331 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary angioplasty. Patients were divided into two groups according to low and high CHA2DS2-VASc score. Angiographic results of reperfusion were inspected to evaluate the association of high CHA2DS2-VASc score and the likelihood of suboptimal TIMI flow. The secondary endpoint of the study was short-term in-hospital mortality of all cause. The present study confirmed that CHA2DS2-VASc model enables us to determine the risk of no-reflow and all-cause in-hospital mortality independently. Odds ratios were 1.59 (1.30⁻2.25) and 1.60 (1.17⁻2.19), respectively. Moreover, BMI, high thrombus grade, and cardiogenic shock were predictors of failed reperfusion (odds were 1.07 (1.01⁻1.35), 1.59 (1.28⁻1.76), and 8.65 (3.76⁻24.46), respectively). We showed that using a cut off value of ≥ two in CHA2DS2-VASc model provides a sensitivity of 69.7% and specificity of 64.4% for discrimination of increased mortality hazards. Area under the curve: 0.72 with 95% CI (0.62⁻0.81). Calculation of CHA2DS2-VASc score applied as a simple risk stratification tool before primary PCI affords great predictive power. Furthermore, incremental values are obtained by using both CHA2DS2-VASc and no-reflow regarding mortality risk assessment.

Revisiting echocardiographic features of prosthetic heart valves: the necessity of correct differentiation of mono-leaflet vs. bileaflet mechanical heart valves in a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical heart valve replacement is a standard treatment for severe valvular disorders. The use of mono-leaflet valves has decreased recently. Recognizing the echocardiographic features of mono-leaflet and bileaflet valves is crucial for accurate complication diagnosis and proper management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old female with mono-leaflet mitral and bileaflet tricuspid valves underwent an echocardiographic assessment. This simple educational case provides a unique opportunity to compare the echocardiographic features of these valves within a single patient. CONCLUSION: There is a crucial need for clinicians, particularly those in training, to differentiate between mono-leaflet and bileaflet mechanical heart valves adeptly. With mono-leaflet valves decreasing in prevalence, proficiency in recognizing the echocardiographic nuances of each type is imperative. Failure to do so may result in misdiagnoses and inappropriate management. This underscores the significance of continuous education and vigilance in echocardiographic assessments to ensure optimal patient care.

Quantification of aortic valve area: comparison of different methods of echocardiography with 3-D scan of the excised valve.

Accurate determination of severity of aortic valve stenosis (AS) by aortic valve area (AVA) is essential for choosing the best treatment strategy. We compared AVA quantified by 4 different in vivo echocardiographic methods with AVA measured by 3D ex vivo scanning of the excised AV. The data on 38 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement were assessed. The AVA was determined by 4 echocardiographic methods of planimetry in 2D transesophageal echocardiography [planimetry (2D-TEE)], plainemetry by multiplanar reconstruction approach in 3D transesophageal echocardiography [MPR (3D-TEE)], and two continuity equation (CE) approaches; conventional CE (2D-TTE) in which left ventricular outflow tract [LVOT] area derived by LVOT diameter obtained in 2D transthoracic echocardiography and CE (3D-TEE) in which LVOT area obtained by 3D MPR. After the surgical removal of the AV, AVA was determined by 3D ex vivo scanning. Lowest AVA mean difference with 3D ex vivo scanning was found between CE (2D-TTE), followed by CE (3D-TEE). Planimetry (2D-TEE) in male patients as well as severely and non-severely calcified valves revealed a significant higher AVA mean difference with 3D ex vivo scanning than CE (2D-TTE) and CE (3D-TEE) methods. However, with a nonsignificant effect, CE (2D-TTE) and planimetry (2D-TEE) had the least mean difference with 3D ex vivo scanning possibly due to less frequent bicuspid AV in females. CE (2D-TTE) was more accurate than other methods of AVA calculation. Moreover, CE (3D-TEE) and MPR (3D-TEE) methods had acceptable accuracy in comparison with planimetry (2D-TEE) for definition of AS severity.

24/7 Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention as a National Program.

Due to the importance of early treatment in the final prognosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, full-time provision of revascularization services should be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (24/7) in conjunction with a fully-coordinated pre-hospital emergency system and equipped centers with experienced medical teams. We reviewed the 24/7 primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) management registry and evaluated the quality of care and patient management as well as the temporal trend of provided health care services. In the present cross-sectional study, we retrieved the data on 11,563 STEMI patients having undergone primary PCI at the thirty-one 24/7 PCI-capable hospitals through the national 24/7 STEMI management program between September 2015 and August 2017 in Iran. The median (25th-75th) age of the patients was 59 (51-68) years. The median (25th-75th) time of door-to-device was 64 (41-100) min and 68% of patients achieved door to device time of ≤90 min. There was no significant difference in the median door-to-device time between the general and heart hospitals. This is the first Iranian National attempt to provide a uniform guideline-driven standard management in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI in a 24/7 program. We demonstrated an acceptable door-to-device time consistent with the recommendations of the current guidelines. We observed higher door-to-device time in older patients, female patients, and those where the culprit lesion was other than the left anterior descending coronary artery. Efforts should be made to improve door-to-device time in all patients or groups.

One-Month Clinical Outcomes of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention at a High-volume Cardiac Tertiary Center: Routine Hours Versus Off-hours.

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the treatment of choice for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to compare 1-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE) of patients undergoing primary PCI between 2 routine-hour and off-hour working shifts. In this cross-sectional study, 1791 STEMI patients were retrospectively evaluated who underwent primary PCI. The patients were classified into 2 groups of routine and off-hour according to the PCI start time and date [495 patients (27.7%) in routine-hour group; 1296 patients (72.3%) in off-hour group]. Cardiovascular risk factor, angiographic, procedural data, door-to-device time, and 1-month follow-up data of patients were compared between 2 groups. There was a statistical difference in door-to-device time between routine-hour and off-hour group [55 minutes (40-100 minutes) in off-hour group vs. 49 minutes (35-73 minutes) in routine-hour group; P ≤ 0.001]. However, most of the patients in both groups had door-to-device time ≤60 minutes. The frequency of 1-month MACE was 8.5% in off-hour group and 6.9% in routine-hour group (P = 0.260). After adjustment for possible confounders, the procedure result, in-hospital death, and 1-month MACE were not significantly different between both study groups. We found that STEMI patients treated with primary angioplasty during off-hour shifts had similar 1-month clinical outcomes to routine-hour shifts. Considering the high number of patients requiring primary PCI during off-hours, the importance of early revascularization in acute myocardial infarction, and the comparable clinical outcomes and procedural success, full-time provision of primary PCI services seems to be beneficial.

Time to Treatment and In-Hospital Major Adverse Cardiac Events Among Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Who Underwent Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) According to the 24/7 Primary PCI Service Registry in Iran: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Performing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a preferred reperfusion strategy for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may be associated with major adverse cardiocerebrovascular events (MACCEs). Thus, timely primary PCI has been emphasized in order to improve outcomes. Despite guideline recommendations on trying to reduce the door-to-balloon time to <90 minutes in order to reduce mortality, less attention has been paid to other components of time to treatment, such as the symptom-to-balloon time, as an indicator of the total ischemic time, which includes the symptom-to-door time and door-to-balloon time, in terms of clinical outcomes of patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the association between each component of time to treatment (ie, symptom-to-door time, door-to-balloon time, and symptom-to-balloon time) and in-hospital MACCEs among patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI. METHODS: In this observational study, according to a prospective primary PCI 24/7 service registry, adult patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI in one of six catheterization laboratories of Tehran Heart Center from November 2015 to August 2019, were studied. The primary outcome was in-hospital MACCEs, which was a composite index consisting of cardiac death, revascularization (ie, target vessel revascularization/target lesion revascularization), myocardial infarction, and stroke. It was compared at different levels of time to treatment (ie, symptom-to-door and door-to-balloon time <90 and ≥90 minutes, and symptom-to-balloon time <180 and ≥180 minutes). Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24 (IBM Corp), with descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, and statistical tests, such as chi-square test, t test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and with a significance level of <.05 and 95% CIs for odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Data from 2823 out of 3204 patients were analyzed (mean age of 59.6 years, SD 11.6 years; 79.5% male [n=2243]; completion rate: 88.1%). Low proportions of symptom-to-door time ≤90 minutes and symptom-to-balloon time ≤180 minutes were observed among the study patients (579/2823, 20.5% and 691/2823, 24.5%, respectively). Overall, 2.4% (69/2823) of the patients experienced in-hospital MACCEs, and cardiac death (45/2823, 1.6%) was the most common cardiac outcome. In the univariate analysis, the symptom-to-balloon time predicted in-hospital MACCEs (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.4; P=.03), while the symptom-to-door time (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7-2.6; P=.34) and door-to-balloon time (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-1.8, P=.77) were not associated with in-hospital MACCEs. In the multivariate analysis, only symptom-to-balloon time ≥180 minutes was associated with in-hospital MACCEs and was a predictor of in-hospital MACCEs (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-5.2; P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: A longer symptom-to-balloon time was the only component associated with higher in-hospital MACCEs in the present study. Efforts should be made to shorten the symptom-to-balloon time in order to improve in-hospital MACCEs. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/13161.

Twelve-Year History of STEMI Management in Tehran Heart Center: Concomitant Reduction of In-Hospital Mortality and Hospitalization Length.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular-related death remains the major cause of mortality in Iran despite significant improvements in its care. In the present study, we report the in-hospital mortality, hospitalization length, and treatment methods for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Tehran Heart Center (THC). METHODS: Records pertaining to patients with STEMI from March 2006 to March 2017 were extracted from the databases of THC. Besides a description of temporal trends, multivariable regression analysis was used to find factors associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: During the study period, 8,295 patients were admitted with STEMI with a mean age of 60.4 ± 12.5 years. Men accounted for 77.5% of the study population. Hospitalization length declined from 8.4 to 5.2 days, and in-hospital mortality was reduced from 8.0% to 3.9% (both P values < 0.001). In a multivariable model adjusted for age, sex, conventional cardiac risk factors, prior cardiac history, and indices of event severity, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (OR: 0.280, 95% CI: 0.186 to 0.512; P<0.001), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery (OR: 0.482, 95% CI: 0.220 to 0.903; P=0.025), and rescue or facilitated PCI (OR: 0.420, 95% CI: 0.071 to 0.812; P=0.001) were all associated with reduced in-hospital mortality in comparison with medical treatment. Furthermore, primary PCI was a crucial protective factor against prolonged length of hospital stay (OR: 0.307, 95% CI: 0.266 to 0.594; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In-hospital mortality and hospitalization length were almost halved during the study period, and primary PCI has now replaced thrombolysis in the management of STEMI.

Pre-Hospital Delay and Its Contributing Factors in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction; a Cross sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: The outcome of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is significantly influenced by the total tissue ischemic time. In spite of efforts for reducing the in-hospital delay by full-time provision of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (P-PCI) in the 24/7 program, pre-hospital delay still persists. As a first report in Iran, we aimed to assess the duration of pre-hospital delay and its contributing factors in STEMI patients in the P-PCI era. METHODS: The present cross-sectional study evaluated 2103 STEMI patients who underwent primary PCI from 2016 to 2018. Demographic, personal and socioeconomic factors, index event characteristics, past medical history, pain onset and door times of patients were recorded and independent factors of pre-hospital delay were calculated. RESULTS: Median (IQR) of pain to door (P2D) time was 279 (120-630) minutes. In multivariate analysis, female gender [Beta=0.064 (95%CI: 0.003-0.125); p=0.038], being uneducated [Beta=0.213 (95%CI: 0.115-0.311); p<0.001], the onset of chest pain between 00:00 to 6:00 [Beta=0.130 (95%CI: 0.058-0.202); p<0.001] or 7:00 to 12:00 [Beta=0.119 (95%CI: 0.049-0.190); p=0.001], self-transportation [Beta=0.098 (95%CI: 0.015-0.181); p=0.020] or referral from another hospital [Beta=0.253 (95%CI: 0.117-0.389); p<0.001], atypical chest pain [Beta=0.170 (95%CI: 0.048-0.293); p=0.006], history of hypertension [Beta=0.052 (95%CI: 0.002-0.102); p=0.041], and opium abuse [Beta=0.076 (95%CI: 0.007-0.146); p=0.031] were associated with a significantly higher log(P2D), while history of CABG was associated with shorter P2D. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that P2D is still very high in Iran and revealed the high-risk groups associated with longer P2D. Effective actions should be implemented to increase the public awareness about the symptoms of STEMI, and the importance of immediate appropriate help-seeking.

The Association Between Modified Intracoronary Thrombus Grade and Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Initial Laboratory Findings in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

The thrombus burden has been shown to affect the immediate results of primary coronary intervention and the outcome of the patients. The aim of the present study was to determine the cardiovascular risk factors and initial laboratory findings associated with angiographic thrombotic grade based on the new reclassified grading method. A total of 394 consecutive patients presenting with a first ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary coronary intervention were retrospectively evaluated between March 2014 and March 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups of low thrombus grade (grades 1-3) and high thrombus grade (grade 4). The results showed that the patients with high thrombus grade had markedly higher white blood cell (WBC) counts, platelet counts, and initial troponin levels (P values were <0.001, 0.004, and <0.001, respectively). After logistic regression analysis, high WBC count had the strongest association with high thrombus grade [odds ratio: 3.185, 95% confidence interval: 1.349-7.520; P = 0.008]. The initial troponin level also had significant association with high thrombus grade, whereas high platelet count had a borderline statistical significance (odds ratio: 2.250, 95% confidence interval: 0.928-5.459; P = 0.073). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that high WBC and higher levels of baseline troponin were associated with high angiographic thrombus grade in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Effect of Showing Angiograms to Patients After Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Anxiety and Illness Perception: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: As an invasive modality, a coronary angioplasty may cause a great deal of anxiety in patients and affect their mental health and general well-being. Accordingly, we sought to assess whether showing patients the video of their elective percutaneous coronary intervention (angiogram) could affect their illness perception and anxiety level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, the patients undergoing angioplasty, were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients. Angiograms were shown only to the intervention group postprocedurally. A checklist comprising demographic data and clinical presentations as well as the Beck anxiety questionnaire and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) was completed for each patient immediately after the intervention and one month later. The differences in the patients' anxiety level and illness perception were analyzed. RESULTS: In the intervention group, the mean anxiety score before and after watching the angiograms was 34.26 ± 8.1 and 24.4 ± 8.56, respectively. While in the control group, the score before and after angioplasty was 34.46 ± 9.34 and 26.6 ± 9.44, respectively. Thus, watching angiograms led to a significant decrease in the anxiety score in the intervention group, whereas there was no such difference in the control group. There was also a considerable difference in the anxiety score between the two groups. Further, there was a significant decrease in the BIPQ score of the intervention group after watching the angioplasty videos. CONCLUSION: Educating cardiovascular patients about diagnostic and therapeutic procedures may confer such good outcomes as alleviated anxiety, enhanced satisfaction, and ultimately, fewer anxiety-related complications.