Anxiety, Stress and Pain & Myocardial Infarction

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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People often experience the acute phase of a myocardial infarction as a stressful and traumatic event that seems lifethreatening. Such anxiety, pain and stress can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder in the long run. Previous studies suggest that there might be a relevant percentage of people developing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after a myocardial infarction. Posttraumatic stress disorder is a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. The goal of this study is to detect the percentage of people that develop symptoms of anxiety, stress, and PTSD after an acute myocardial infarction.

Detailed Description
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People often experience the acute phase of a myocardial infarction as a stressful and traumatic event that seems lifethreatening. Such anxiety, pain and stress can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder in the long run. Previous studies suggest that there might be a relevant percentage of people developing PTSD after a myocardial infarction. Posttraumatic stress disorder is a risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. The goal of this study is to detect the percentage of people that develop symptoms of anxiety, stress and PTSD after an acute myocardial infarction. Patients will be examined during three times - in the acute myocardial infarction period (Day 1-3), before dismissal (Day 5-14) and after 6 months for a follow-up. During all times they will be given questionnaires asking about their levels of stress, anxiety and general well-being as well as tests checking their cognitive abilities (thus to find out if they decrease over time). Moreover, blood samples checking cortisol levels as well as metanephrine levels will be taken in order to objectify the levels of stress that are stated by the patients. Furthermore, clinical evaluations, laboratory runs (troponin), ECGs and echocardiographies will be done at all three points in time. The goal is to detect the biopsychosocial relations and to develop better prevention.

Official Title
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The Impact of Anxiety, Stress and Pain in the Early Phase of Myocardial Infarction on the Development of Anxiety Symptoms and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in the Long Term Outcome

Conditions
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Myocardial Infarction

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: No intervention


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: willingness to participate in the study men and women 19-90 after myocardial infarctions no psychiatric disease before myocardial infarction no other severe disease influencing the immune system Exclusion Criteria: non fulfilment of inclusion criteria non-compliant patients (dementia, delirium) steroid-therapy

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 19 Years
Maximum Age: 90 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Patients with MCI<br>Patients with myocardial infarction (STEMI/NSTEMI) aged 19-90 | Other: No intervention<br>* Questionnaires, lab-run<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PTSD | Number of patients who develop PTSD | 6 months |