Cupples SA, Paige-Dobson B, Armstrong D. Psychophysiological manifestations of anxiety in patients undergoing electrophysiology studies.
Heart Lung 1998;
27:374-86. [PMID:
9835669 DOI:
10.1016/s0147-9563(98)90085-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To measure state anxiety and related physiological correlates at 3 selected times when patient education regarding electrophysiology (EP) studies is likely to occur: 24 hours before the EP study (pre-procedure teaching), 1 hour before the EP study (reinforcement of pre-procedure teaching), and 3 hours after the EP study (explanation of results; reinforcement of post-procedure instructions).
DESIGN
Descriptive-exploratory.
SETTING
Military medical treatment facility in mid Atlantic region.
SUBJECTS
Thirty-two adults who underwent initial EP testing.
OUTCOME MEASURES
The Spielberger State Anxiety score, frontalis muscle tension, heart rate, electrodermal activity, electrothermal feedback, and mean arterial pressure.
METHODS
Outcome measures were obtained 1 day before (time 1), 1 hour before (time 2), and 3 hours after (time 3) the EP study.
RESULTS
Both state anxiety scores and physiological variables indicated minimal psychophysiological reactivity.
CONCLUSION
Patients undergoing initial EP studies experience moderate state anxiety and manifest a paradoxical pattern of autonomic responses over time. Moderate levels of state anxiety at each of the 3 assessment points would seem to indicate that patient education is appropriate at these times.
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