Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Objective: Previous prospective studies have reported depression as an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality. Anxiety disorders are also known to be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD. Psychological factors may also affect the course and outcome of CAD through behavioral mechanisms such as smoking, decreased physical activity, poor diet, and reduced compliance to treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the anxiety and depression levels and to determine the atherosclerotic risk factors in patients admitted for elective coronary angiography due to suspected CAD.Methods: The study population consisted of 116 patients, who were consecutively admitted for elective coronary angiography. Findings were classified into two major groups: normal or abnormal coronary angiography. Abnormal coronary angiography was suggested in patients with atherosclerotic disease (equal to or greater than 50% stenosis) and/or slow blood flow in coronary arteries. Anxi...