A. D. Ibatov

Anxiety disorders and quality of life of patients with ischemic heart disease

The prevalence of anxiety disorders among patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) was investigated. The influence of anxiety disorders on patients' quality of life was estimated. 275 patients with ischemic heart disease were examined. All the patients suffered from angina pectoris.

The level of anxiety was estimated by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the level of state and trait anxiety – by Spielberger questionnaire for State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), personality characteristics – by the Mini-Mult (MMPI) questionnaire, quality of life – by Seattle Angina Questionnaire of Quality of Life (SAQ). Patients with IHD and anxiety disorders showed more expressed personality characteristics, a higher level of state and trait anxiety and worse quality of life.

Thus, the quality of life in patients with IHD depends not only on the severity of the disease (the functional class of angina, arrhythmias, age of the patient), but also on anxiety disorders.