Cardiologists' and patients' views about the informed consent process and their understanding of the anticipated treatment benefits of coronary angioplasty: A survey study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention is a common revascularisation technique. Serious complications are uncommon, but death is one of them. Seeking informed consent in advance of percutaneous coronary intervention is mandatory. Research shows that percutaneous coronary intervention patients have inaccurate perceptions of risks, benefits and alternative treatments. AIM: To assess cardiologists' and patients' views about the informed consent process and anticipated treatment benefits. METHODS: Two cross-sectional, anonymous surveys were distributed in England: an electronic version to a sample of cardiologists and a paper-based version to patients recruited from 10 centres. RESULTS: A sample of 118 cardiologists and 326 patients completed the surveys. Cardiologists and patients shared similar views on the purpose of informed consent; however, over 40% of patients and over a third of cardiologists agreed with statements that patients do not understand, or remember, the information given to them. Patients placed less value than cardiologists on the consent process and over 60% agreed that patients depended on their doctor to make the decision for them. Patients' and cardiologists' views on the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention were significantly different; notably, 60% of patients mistakenly believed that percutaneous coronary intervention was curative. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous coronary intervention informed consent process requires improvement to ensure that patients are more involved and accurately understand treatment benefits to make an informed decision. Redesign of the patient pathway is recommended to allow protected time for health professionals to engage in discussions using evidence-based approaches such as 'teach back' and decision support which improve patient comprehension.

Cognitive Change After Cardiac Surgery Versus Cardiac Catheterization: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Despite concern that cardiac surgery may adversely affect cognition, little evidence is available from population-based studies using presurgery data. With the use of the Health and Retirement Study, we compared memory change after participant-reported cardiac catheterization or cardiac surgery. METHODS: Participants were community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older who self-reported cardiac catheterization or "heart surgery" at any biennial Health and Retirement Study interview between 2000 and 2014. Participants may have undergone the index procedure any time in the preceding 2 years. We modeled preprocedure to postprocedure change in composite memory score, derived from objective memory testing, using linear mixed effects models. We modeled postprocedure subjective memory decline with logistic regression. To quantify clinical relevance, we used the predicted memory change to estimate impact on ability to manage medications and finances independently. RESULTS: Of 3,105 participants, 1,921 (62%) underwent catheterization and 1,184 (38%) underwent operation. In adjusted analyses, surgery participants had little difference in preprocedure to postprocedure memory change compared with participants undergoing cardiac catheterization (-0.021 memory units; 95% confidence interval: -0.046 to 0.005 memory units, p = 0.12). If the relationship were causal, the point estimate for memory decline would confer an absolute 0.26% or 0.19% decrease in ability to manage finances or medications, respectively, corresponding to 4.6 additional months of cognitive aging. Cardiac surgery was not associated with subjective memory decline (adjusted odds ratio 0.93, 95% confidence interval: 0.74 to 1.18). CONCLUSIONS: In this large, population-based cohort, memory declines after heart surgery and cardiac catheterization were similar. These findings suggest intermediate-term population-level adverse cognitive effects of cardiac surgery, if any, are likely subtle.

The Impact of motivational interviewing on illness perception in patients with stable coronary artery disease. A randomised controlled study / Auswirkung motivierender Gesprächsführung auf die Krankheitswahrnehmung bei stabiler koronarer Herzkrankheit. Eine randomisiert-kontrollierte Studie

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) constitutes one of the most frequent causes of death for individuals > 60 years. Lifestyle dependent risk factors are key. Hence, cardiac rehabilitation is essential for optimal CHD treatment. However, individuals rarely comprehend their illness. Motivational interviewing promotes illness perception. Aim/Methods: A randomised-controlled study was conducted to determine the effect of motivational interviewing on illness perception. Patients with stable coronary heart disease were consecutively recruited after elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The intervention group received a short motivational interview (MI) about the disease and related risk factors as an intervention. The control group had usual treatment. Illness perception was assessed (Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised) prior to the intervention and six months afterwards. Results: A total of 312 patients (intervention group: n = 148, control group: n = 164) were recruited into the study (mean age: 66.2 years). After the intervention, a significant change was observed in the domain of emotional reactions regarding the disease. Conclusion: To improve illness perception in patients with stable CHD, one short intervention with MI may have an effect. Whether intensifying the MI-intervention is more effective, requires further research.

The Dynamic Nature of Self-Assessed Health (SAH) as a Function of Negative and Positive Affects among Cardiac Patients.

BACKGROUND: Self-assessed health (SAH) predicts health outcomes above and beyond medical variables. One of the explanations for this robust finding is the sensitivity of SAH to changes in multiple aspects of health, including emotional factors. We assessed the dynamic nature of SAH by longitudinally examining the associations between initial and change levels of SAH and positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA). METHODS: Participants were 138 cardiac patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. Self-report questionnaires measured SAH, PA, and NA, one day and one month after catheterisation. RESULTS: Means of SAH and NA did not change between measurement points, but PA decreased. Cross-lagged analysis indicated that the best model for representing the data included a path from affect at hospitalisation to SAH one month later; that is, lower NA (but not PA) at hospitalisation predicted higher SAH a month later. A latent change model analysis also revealed that NA (but not PA) at hospitalisation predicted changes in SAH (but SAH did not predict changes in negative or positive affect); and that increases in positive affect and decreases in negative affect were linked to increases in SAH. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of NA as an indicator of SAH and SAH change, and provide further insights into the dynamics of SAH in cardiac patients.

Exploring expectations and needs of patients undergoing angioplasty.

This study aimed to explore needs and expectations of Iranian patients who undergone angioplasty procedures. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) has frequently been used as a substitute for coronary artery surgery, representing a less invasive and more cost-effective procedure. However, little information is known about the experiences and needs of patients undergone PCI. This research involved a qualitative study that employed the content analysis method. A semi-structured in-depth interview protocol was carried out using a face-to-face approach. Researchers reached to theoretical saturation by interviewing 18 patients who undergone angioplasty. Constant comparison analysis was used with simultaneous data collection. Three themes emerged from this study including Uncertainty, Procedural knowledge and Social Support. The findings from this study enhance our understanding on expectations and needs of patients who undergone PCI. These findings help nurses and health-care providers to develop and provide pre and post-procedural care according to each individual needs and experiences. This Iranian study not only contributes to other international study but also, emphasizes on the need for pre-procedural awareness and post-procedural support of patients who undergone PCI.

Impact of Cardiovascular Interventions on the Quality of Life in the Elderly

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The elderly population is growing rapidly. Political and socio-economic changes led to the demographic transition in this population with the highest number of surgeries and as well as many comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of cardiovascular intervention on quality of life of elderly patients after three and six months. METHODS: Analytical prospective cohort study with elderly between 60 and 80 years of age, of both sexes, with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease and underwent cardiovascular intervention during the period June 2010 to June 2011. Data were collected by individual interviews in the pre and postoperative periods (after three and six months) by telephone. We used the SF-36 to analyse quality of life in order to assess the physical and mental health of the study population. RESULTS: Of the 44 individuals evaluated, 59.1% were men, 75% in the range of 65 to 74 years, 38.6% were white and 38.6% were black, 31.8% were uneducated, 43.2% were married and 68.2% had less than a minimum wage. Prevailed patients: non-diabetics (68.2%), non-obese (81.8%), hypertensive (84.1%), non-alcoholic and non-smokers (68.2% and 61.4%, respectively). A significant increase in the average of the SF-36 scores between pre and post-surgical periods (three and six months) for the domains: functional capacity, pain, general health, vitality and emotional aspect. CONCLUSION: The elderly population undergoing intervention may have cardiovascular benefits and improvements of quality of life. Physical fitness improvement measures can be taken to resume that capability.

Impact of Cardiovascular Interventions on the Quality of Life in the Elderly.

INTRODUCTION: The elderly population is growing rapidly. Political and socio-economic changes led to the demographic transition in this population with the highest number of surgeries and as well as many comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of cardiovascular intervention on quality of life of elderly patients after three and six months. METHODS: Analytical prospective cohort study with elderly between 60 and 80 years of age, of both sexes, with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease and underwent cardiovascular intervention during the period June 2010 to June 2011. Data were collected by individual interviews in the pre and postoperative periods (after three and six months) by telephone. We used the SF-36 to analyse quality of life in order to assess the physical and mental health of the study population. RESULTS: Of the 44 individuals evaluated, 59.1% were men, 75% in the range of 65 to 74 years, 38.6% were white and 38.6% were black, 31.8% were uneducated, 43.2% were married and 68.2% had less than a minimum wage. Prevailed patients: non-diabetics (68.2%), non-obese (81.8%), hypertensive (84.1%), non-alcoholic and non-smokers (68.2% and 61.4%, respectively). A significant increase in the average of the SF-36 scores between pre and post-surgical periods (three and six months) for the domains: functional capacity, pain, general health, vitality and emotional aspect. CONCLUSION: The elderly population undergoing intervention may have cardiovascular benefits and improvements of quality of life. Physical fitness improvement measures can be taken to resume that capability.

The lived experiences of patients post coronary angioplasty: a qualitative study.

Few qualitative studies have focused on the experiences of patients post angioplasty. A deep understanding of patient experiences of care and the way a treatment can affect their everyday life is particularly important in chronic disease management. The aim of this study was to explore experiences that patients undergo after angioplasty. Using a phenomenological study design, 15 patients participated in individual, face-to-face, semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The following core themes emerged from the analysis, which reflect the experiences of patients post angioplasty: (a) Angioplasty is a milestone in the patient's life, (b) living with a mended heart, and (c) psychological distress as an integral part of the patient's life. Participants after angioplasty went through both positive and negative changes in their life. Understanding these experiences is essential to modifying high-risk behaviors while supporting patients through their rehabilitation.

'I am still a bit unsure how much of a heart attack it really was!' Patients presenting with non ST elevation myocardial infarction lack understanding about their illness and have less motivation for secondary prevention.

BACKGROUND: There are considerable differences in the type of treatments offered to patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), in terms of the speed and urgency with which they are admitted, treated and discharged from hospital. The impact of these different treatment experiences on patients' illness perception and motivation for behavioural changes is unknown. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore and compare patients' illness perception and motivation for behavioural change following myocardial infarction (MI) treated by different methods. METHODS: Semi-structured, domiciliary interviews (n=15) based on the common sense model of self regulation, were conducted with three groups of MI patients within four weeks of diagnosis: (a) primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) (n=5); (b) thrombolysis (n=5); (c) non ST elevation MI (NSTEMI) (n=5). Framework analysis was used to identify and compare themes between groups. RESULTS: Patients presenting with a ST-elevation MI (STEMI) receiving either PPCI or thrombolysis had similar perceptions of their illness as a serious, life-threatening event and were determined to make lifestyle changes. In contrast, patients with a NSTEMI experienced uncertainty about symptoms and diagnosis, causing misconceptions about the severity of their condition and less determination for lifestyle changes. CONCLUSION: Patients with NSTEMI in this study expressed very different perceptions of their illness compared to those experiencing STEMI. Patients' clinical presentation and treatment experience during an AMI can impact on their illness perception, motivation for behavioural change and uptake of cardiac rehabilitation. Nurses should consider the patients' illness experience and perception when planning secondary prevention interventions.

Effect of guidance during cardiac catheterization on emotional, cognitive and behavioral outcomes.

AIMS: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be perceived as a frightening experience. Some psychological factors are known correlates of recovery and rehabilitation of cardiac patients. Our objective was to investigate the emotional, cognitive and behavioral effects of patient guidance during their cardiac catheterization. METHODS: We performed a randomized trial comparing a patient group that was instructed while watching the monitor screen during their PCI (study group) and another group that was not (controls). Replies to questionnaires measuring emotional, cognitive and behavioral variables known to be associated with cardiac patients' health status, rehabilitation and quality of life were collected 1 day and 1 month after the procedure. RESULTS: The study group included 57 patients and the control group included 51 patients. Most patients (∼87%) were men at the mean age of 60. They were well matched for reasons for referral to PCI. The study group reported less pain, a more positive affect, greater self-efficacy and stronger intentions to change health-related behaviors than the control group. At 1 month following the procedure, the study group evaluated their general health as significantly better, and reported a less negative affect, less cardiac anxiety, greater functional self-efficacy and more positive outcome expectancies regarding diet, and quitting smoking than the controls. CONCLUSION: A simple adjustment in the standard PCI protocol can become a highly beneficial psychological intervention for enhancing patient outcomes.

[The evaluation of discomfort and anxiety in the patient undergoing coronary angioplasty]. / Ocena dyskomfortu i leku u pacjenta poddanego angioplastyce wiencowej.

UNLABELLED: Coronary heart disease is now the leading cause of death in the world and in Poland. Every year, the acute coronary syndromes (ACS) falls over a hundred thousand people, of whom the vast majority are treated invasively. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) carries a possible complication. The possibility of their occurrence is one of the reasons to feel fear and discomfort prior to the study. THE AIM OF STUDY: Was to assess of the level of discomfort and anxiety experienced by those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 100 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for ACS or stable angina. The research method used in the survey was a questionnaire form, includes a total of 23 questions. The survey was carried out 24 hours after the execution diagnostic procedure or therapy. RESULTS: PCI was performed significantly more often with radial access--65%, than femoral--35%. People undergo PCI in 77% had knowledge of it. The main source of information was the hospital staff (48%), GPs (20%) and to a lesser extent, the Internet (16%) and friends (12%). To assess the discomfort uses a linear scale of points. Depending on the vascular access was obtained an average of 5.7 points for radial access and 8.8 points for femoral access, corresponding to moderate and very large intensity of discomfort. The degree of discomfort was lower (42%) or compatible (27%) of the representations before the treatments. The intensity of the perceived fear determined the 53% of the very large, and 21% as large. On average, a 10-point scale, respondents have identified him at 7.9 points. Significantly negatively correlated on the level of education (r = -0.421, P < 0.05) and with the degree of knowledge of the declared procedure (r = -0.519, P < 0.01) and positively correlated with the intensity of reported discomfort (r = 0.497 p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reducing discomfort and anxiety in patients undergoing PCI is very important. This affects the success of the procedure and for appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Active detection of factors affecting these phenomena and their reduction should be one of the tasks of the personnel involved in the treatment. It is necessary to proper education, including get familiar with the methods of endovascular interventions.

One-year results of the randomized, controlled, short-term psychotherapy in acute myocardial infarction (STEP-IN-AMI) trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on cognitive and interpersonal interventions have yielded inconsistent results in ischemic heart disease patients. METHODS: 101 patients aged ≤ 70 years, and enrolled one week after complete revascularization with urgent/emergent angioplasty for an AMI, were randomized to standard cardiological therapy plus short-term humanistic-existential psychotherapy (STP) versus standard cardiological therapy only. Primary composite end point was: one-year incidence of new cardiological events (re-infarction, death, stroke, revascularization, life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, and the recurrence of typical and clinically significant angina) and of clinically significant new comorbidities. Secondary end points were: rates for individual components of the primary outcome, incidence of re-hospitalizations for cardiological problems, New York Heart Association class, and psychometric test scores at follow-up. RESULTS: 94 patients were analyzed at one year. The two treatment groups were similar across all baseline characteristics. At follow-up, STP patients had had a lower incidence of the primary endpoint, relative to controls (21/49 vs. 35/45 patients; p=0.0006, respectively; NNT=3); this benefit was attributable to the lower incidence of recurrent angina and of new comorbidities in the STP group (14/49 vs. 22/45 patients, p=0.04, NNT=5; and 5/49 vs. 25/45, p<0.0001, NNT=3, respectively). Patients undergoing STP also had statistically fewer re-hospitalizations, a better NYHA class, higher quality of life, and lower depression scores. CONCLUSION: Adding STP to cardiological therapy improves cardiological symptoms, quality of life, and psychological and medical outcomes one year post AMI, while reducing the need for re-hospitalizations. Larger studies remain necessary to confirm the generalizability of these results. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT00769366.

Comparison of functional recovery following percutaneous coronary intervention for ST elevation myocardial infarction in three age groups (<70, 70 to 79, and ≥80 years).

Functional outcomes of elderly patients ≥80 years who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are unknown. Registry data indicate that up to 55% of elderly patients with STEMI do not receive reperfusion therapy despite a suggested mortality benefit, and only limited data are available regarding outcomes in elderly patients treated with primary PCI. Therefore, prospective data from a regional STEMI transfer program were analyzed to determine major adverse cardiac events, length of stay, and discharge status of consecutive patients with STEMI ≥80 years from March 2003 to November 2006. Of the 1,323 consecutive patients with STEMI treated in this regional STEMI system from March 2003 to November 2006, 199 (15.0%) were ≥80 years old. In-hospital mortality in elderly patients was 11.6%, with a 1-year mortality rate of 25.6%. Of the 166 patients with age ≥80 who lived independently or in assisted living before hospital admission and survived, 150 (90.4%) were discharged to a similar living situation or projected to such a living situation after temporary nursing home care. The median length of hospital stay was 4 days for these patients. In conclusion, elderly patients with age ≥80 receiving PCI for STEMI in a regional STEMI program have short hospital stays and excellent functional recovery on the basis of a very high rate of return to a similar previous living situation.

A history of heart interventions moderates the relationship between psychological variables and the presence of chest pain in older women with self-reported coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the hypothesis that a past history of heart interventions will moderate the relationship between psychosocial factors (stressful life events, social support, perceived stress, having a current partner, having a past diagnosis of depression or anxiety over the past 3 years, time pressure, education level, and the mental health index) and the presence of chest pain in a sample of older women. DESIGN: Longitudinal survey over a 3-year period. METHODS: The sample was taken from a prospective cohort study of 10,432 women initially aged between 70 and 75 years, who were surveyed in 1996 and then again in 1999. Two groups of women were identified: those reporting to have heart disease but no past history of heart interventions (i.e., coronary artery bypass graft/angioplasty) and those reporting to have heart disease with a past history of heart interventions. RESULTS: Binary logistic regression analysis was used to show that for the women with self-reported coronary heart disease but without a past history of heart intervention, feelings of time pressure as well as the number of stressful life events experienced in the 12 months prior to 1996 were independent risk factors for the presence of chest pain, even after accounting for a range of traditional risk factors. In comparison, for the women with self-reported coronary heart disease who did report a past history of heart interventions, a diagnosis of depression in the previous 3 years was the significant independent risk factor for chest pain even after accounting for traditional risk factors. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that it is important to consider a history of heart interventions as a moderator of the associations between psychosocial variables and the frequency of chest pain in older women.

Diagnostic procedures, revascularization, and inpatient mortality after acute myocardial infarction in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate inpatient mortality and the use of invasive diagnostic and revascularization procedures after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. METHODS: A case-control study was nested within the first AMI episodes between 1996 and 2007 using nationwide data. Participants with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder were compared with a random sample of all other adults without severe mental illness. Inpatient mortality and receipt of cardiac catheterization, coronary arteriography, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and coronary artery bypass graft were compared in logistic regression models after adjusting for demographic and health status, hospital type, and AMI complications. RESULTS: A total of 3361 adult patients who had incident AMI between 1996 and 2007 were identified. Patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (n = 834; 24.8%) had a significantly decreased likelihood of catheterization (12.2% and 14.0%, respectively) and revascularization (9.0% and 12.8%, respectively) during the index AMI episode compared with controls (27.9% of whom received catheterization and 23.9% of whom received revascularizations). Inpatient mortality remained 2.68 times the rate in patients with schizophrenia (95% confidence interval = 1.73-4.15; p < .001) compared with controls after adjusting for intervention receipt among other covariates, but mortality was not significantly raised in patients with bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS: In a large national sample and in the context of a comprehensive free health service, patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder were substantially disadvantaged, being half as likely to receive catheterization or revascularization procedures after AMI. Further research is required to clarify the reasons for this.

[Involvement characteristics and influencing factors of anxiety and depression in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the involvement characteristics and influencing factors of anxiety and depression in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: A total of 396 patients undergoing PCI were investigated between January 2009 and December 2010. All of them completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) before discharge and at 12 months post-PCI. We evaluated the involvement characteristics and used Logistic regression to analyze the influencing factors of mood changes. RESULTS: The relevant factors of post-PCI anxiety were gender (P = 0.003), age (P = 0.004) and acute myocardial infarction (P = 0.009) while depression was associated with acute myocardial infarction (P < 0.001). A 12-month follow-up study showed that anxiety remained stable in 76.3% of patients while depression in 79.5%. Multi-factor analysis showed that factors of presence of adverse cardiovascular events (OR: 1.323, 95%CI: 1.026 - 1.705, P = 0.031), Seattle angina score (OR: 0.870, 95%CI: 0.772 - 0.981, P = 0.023) and anxiety scores at pre-discharge (OR: 1.228, 95%CI: 1.053 - 1.432, P = 0.009) were correlated with the deterioration degree of depression. And the factor associated with the deterioration of depression was the scores before discharge (OR: 1.287, 95%CI: 1.072 ∼ 1.545, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The levels of anxiety and depression remain stable in the majority of PCI patients at Month 12 post-PCI. Perioperative communication and effective control of postoperative cardiovascular events may ease a patient's negative emotions and improve their living quality.

[The experience and coping of primary coronary intervention: a review of qualitative studies]. / Das Erleben und die Bewältigung einer primären Koronarintervention: Eine Literaturstudie qualitativer Forschungsarbeiten.

Over the years, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been established as a superior emergency treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in comparison to intravenous thrombolysis. This literature review is based on four qualitative studies and describes how patients with STEMI experience the acute phase of myocardial infarction with immediate PCI and how it affects their early recovery phase. Qualitative analysis in this study followed Noblit and Hare's method of metasynthesis. The results ascertained a correlation between the seriousness of the diagnosis and the quickness of treatment. PCI offers patients immediate pain relief. The patients' trust in the professionalism of the medical team becomes apparent through their passive participation during treatment. Although patients experience a quick recovery after PCI, they lack adequate information to completely understand their diagnosis of myocardial infarction. The patients feel having been cured by PCI, but continue to fear another myocardial infarction. The patients try to establish a new life routine, but report a lack of continuity in their healthcare provision. The results indicate that after PCI patients experience recurring changes of their perspective regarding their illness and well-being. Therefore, a comprehensive, sustained, and more patient-oriented approach regarding treatment in the early recovery phase is recommended.

Patients overestimate the potential benefits of elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Although percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces mortality in the setting of myocardial infarction (MI), recent studies suggest that the benefits of PCI for chronic Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) are predominantly related to angina relief and improved quality of life. Whether patients in the current era understand these benefits of elective PCI, or perceive that they also derive protection against death and MI is unknown. PATIENTS & METHODS: We surveyed 498 consecutive elective PCI patients a mean of 13.7 months after being treated between 1/06-10/07, 2007, at two hospitals. We used a one-page questionnaire quantifying their perceptions of the benefits from PCI. RESULTS: Of 498 eligible subjects, 350 responded (70%). The mean age was 67.8 +/- 10.9 years, and 76% were male. One-third believed that their PCI was emergent (despite the fact that all were elective), 71% believed the procedure would prevent future heart attacks, 66% thought it would extend their life, 42% reported that it saved their life, 42% stated that it would improve abnormalities on their stress test, and only 31'% believed it would decrease their angina. CONCLUSION: Although considerable attention is given to facilitating informed consent at our center, patients' perceived benefits of elective PCI do not match existing evidence, as they overestimated both the benefits and urgency of their procedures. These findings suggest that an even greater effort at patient education is needed prior to elective PCI to facilitate fully informed decision-making.

Psychological characteristics of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: There is few data evaluating the prevalence and influence of adverse psychological characteristics on the prognosis of individuals submitted to percutaneous coronary interventions. No study has addressed this issue in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, psychological stress, and Type D personality and its association with cardiovascular events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions. METHODS: Psychological characteristics were evaluated by scales: Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Lipp Inventory for Stress Symptoms for Adults and Type D Personality Scale. The end-point of this study was the occurrence of major cardiovascular events in one-year follow-up. RESULTS: During March and May 2006, 137 patients were included. Type D personality was identified in 34% of the cases, 29% presented anxiety, 25% presented depression and 70% of the patients presented stress. In relation to the frequency of psychological characteristics according to the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events, there was no statistical difference between both groups of patients regarding depression (29% vs. 26% p = 0.8), anxiety (33% vs. 23% p = 0.3), stress (76% vs. 65% p = 0.3), and Type D personality (33% vs. 32% p = 0.9). However, the negative affectivity score was significantly higher in the group of patients presenting events (13.9 vs. 9.8 p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients submitted to percutaneous coronary interventions, the prevalence of adverse psychological characteristics was high. One-year major cardiovascular adverse events were associated with baseline negative affectivity, but not with the other psychological characteristics studied.