Background and Purpose: Coronary Angiography (CAG) and Anxiety Levels
Coronary angiography (CAG) is a critical diagnostic procedure for heart diseases, but it often induces significant anxiety in patients. Anxiety can complicate the procedure and negatively impact patient outcomes. This study aimed to investigate anxiety levels in patients undergoing CAG, focusing on demographic factors and their influence on anxiety. Understanding these factors can help healthcare providers implement targeted interventions to improve patient care and procedural success.
Materials and Methods
80 patients scheduled for CAG at Mazandaran Heart Center were recruited using convenience sampling
Demographic data and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to measure anxiety
Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26, including Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pearson’s correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA
Key variables included age, gender, marital status, economic status, and anxiety scores
Key Findings
Mean age of participants was 59.39±10.40 years, with 52.5% male and 72.5% married
Mean anxiety scores: State Anxiety (58.05±6.78), Trait Anxiety (57.08±5.71), Total Anxiety (115.13±11.38)
Women had significantly higher anxiety levels in all categories (P<0.05)
No significant differences in anxiety based on age, marital status, or economic status
Discussion and Implications
Anxiety levels were moderate to high among CAG patients, particularly in women
High anxiety can lead to complications during the procedure, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure
Nurses should assess anxiety pre-procedure and implement interventions like relaxation techniques and patient education
Further research could explore gender-specific anxiety management strategies
Anxiety is a significant concern for patients undergoing coronary angiography, with women experiencing higher levels. Given the potential complications, healthcare providers must prioritize anxiety assessment and management. Nurses play a crucial role in reducing anxiety through pre-procedure interventions, ensuring better patient outcomes and procedural success. Future studies should focus on tailored strategies to address anxiety in high-risk groups.