Chest pain in patients with cardiac and noncardiac disease

Long-term effects and predictors of change of internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy on cardiac anxiety in patients with non-cardiac chest pain: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of patients who seek care at Emergency Departments due to chest pain are diagnosed with Non-Cardiac Chest Pain (NCCP). Concerns for heart disease and misinterpretation of the symptoms increase cardiac anxiety and have a negative impact on patients' lives. Psychological interventions such as internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) are effective in treating psychological conditions such as anxiety, by helping patients to learn how to manage chest pain.

AIMS

To evaluate the effects of a nurse-led iCBT program on cardiac anxiety and secondary outcomes, as bodily sensations, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life and chest pain frequency in patients with NCCP at 6- and 12-month follow-up, and to explore predictors that can have impact on the effects of the iCBT program on psychological distress.

METHODS

A longitudinal study of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) evaluating the long-term effects of an iCBT program (n = 54) in patients with NCCP, compared to psychoeducation (n = 55). The primary outcome, cardiac anxiety was measured using the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ), and the secondary outcomes were measured with The Body Sensations Questionnaire (BSQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), The EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) and a self-developed question to measure chest pain frequency. All measurements were performed before and after the intervention, and 3, 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Linear mixed model was used to test between-group differences in primary and secondary outcomes and multiple regression analysis was used to explore factors that may have an impact on the treatment effect of iCBT on cardiac anxiety.

RESULTS

A total of 85% (n = 93/109) participants completed the 12-month follow-up. Mixed model analysis showed no statistically significant interaction effect of time and group between the iCBT and psychoeducation groups regarding cardiac anxiety over the 12-month follow-up. However, there was a statistically significant interaction effect of time and group (p = .009) regarding chest pain frequency favouring the iCBT group. In addition, we found a group effect in health-related quality of life (p = .03) favouring the iCBT group. The regression analysis showed that higher avoidance scores at baseline were associated with improvement in cardiac anxiety at 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac anxiety was reduced in patients with NCCP, but iCBT was not more effective than psychoeducation. Patients with a high tendency to avoid activities or situations that they believe could trigger cardiac symptoms may benefit more from psychological interventions targeting cardiac anxiety.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03336112 on 08/11/2017.

Facial Expressions of Emotions During Pharmacological and Exercise Stress Testing: the Role of Myocardial Ischemia and Cardiac Symptoms

Background

Negative emotions have been linked to ischemic heart disease, but existing research typically involves self-report methods and little is known about non-verbal facial emotion expression. The role of ischemia and anginal symptoms in emotion expression was examined.

Methods

Patients undergoing cardiac stress testing (CST) using bicycle exercise or adenosine with myocardial perfusion imaging were included (N = 256, mean age 66.8 ± 8.7 year., 43% women). Video images and emotion expression (sadness, anxiety, anger, and happiness) were analyzed at baseline, initial CST , maximal CST, recovery. Nuclear images were evaluated using SPECT.

Results

Ischemia (N = 89; 35%) was associated with higher levels of sadness (p = .017, d = 0.34) and lower happiness (p = .015, d = 0.30). During recovery, patients with both ischemia and anginal symptoms had the highest sadness expression (F (3,254) = 3.67, p = .013, eta² = 0.042) and the lowest happiness expression (F (3, 254) = 4.19, p = .006, eta² = .048).

Conclusion

Sadness and reduced happiness were more common in patients with ischemia. Also, anginal symptoms were associated with more negative emotions.

The associations between psychological distress and health-related quality of life in patients with non-cardiac chest pain

Background

Recurrent chest pain episodes with no clear explanation may affect patients’ psychological wellbeing and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) negatively. Despite the fact that a significant amount of patients with non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) might have a history of Cardiac Disease (CD), there is today a lack of knowledge on how CD influences the association between psychological wellbeing and HRQoL in patients with NCCP. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe HRQoL in patients with NCCP, with or without history of CD, and to explore the association between HRQoL and cardiac anxiety, depressive symptoms, fear of body sensations and somatization.

Methods

Five hundred fifty-two patients discharged with NCCP from four hospitals in Southeast Sweden completed the EQ-5D, Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Body Sensations Questionnaire, and Patient Health Questionnaire-15.

Results

Fifty precent reported at least moderate problems regarding pain/discomfort and 25% reported at least moderate problems in the HRQoL dimensions mobility, usual activities, and anxiety/depression. Patients with NCCP and history of CD reported significantly lower HRQoL (p ≤ 0.05) compared to patients with NCCP without CD. In the total study population, cardiac anxiety, depressive symptoms, and somatization had weak significant negative associations (beta = 0.187–0.284, p < 0.001) with HRQoL. In patients with history of CD, the association between depressive symptoms and HRQoL was moderate (beta = − 0.339, p < 0.001), compared to weak association in patients without CD (beta = − 0.193, p < 0.001). On the other hand, the association between cardiac anxiety and HRQoL was weak in both patients with history of CD (beta = − 0.156, p = 0.05), and in those without (beta = − 0.229, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with NCCP, in particular those with history of CD, reported low levels of HRQoL, which was associated with psychological distress. This should be considered when developing psychological interventions aiming to improve HRQoL in patients with NCCP.

The associations between psychological distress and healthcare use in patients with non-cardiac chest pain: does a history of cardiac disease matter?

BACKGROUND

Psychological distress such as somatization, fear of body sensations, cardiac anxiety and depressive symptoms is common among patients with non-cardiac chest pain, and this may lead to increased healthcare use. However, the relationships between the psychological distress variables and healthcare use, and the differences in relation to history of cardiac disease in these patients has not been studied earlier. Therefore, our aim was to explore and model the associations between different variables of psychological distress (i.e. somatization, fear of body sensations, cardiac anxiety, and depressive symptoms) and healthcare use in patients with non-cardiac chest pain in relation to history of cardiac disease.

METHODS

In total, 552 patients with non-cardiac chest pain (mean age 64 years, 51% women) responded to the Patient Health Questionnaire-15, Body Sensations Questionnaire, Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and one question regarding number of healthcare visits. The relationships between the psychological distress variables and healthcare visits were analysed using Structural Equation Modeling in two models representing patients with or without history of cardiac disease.

RESULTS

A total of 34% of the patients had previous cardiac disease. These patients were older, more males, and reported more comorbidities, psychological distress and healthcare visits. In both models, no direct association between depressive symptoms and healthcare use was found. However, depressive symptoms had an indirect effect on healthcare use, which was mediated by somatization, fear of body sensations, and cardiac anxiety, and this effect was significantly stronger in patients with history of cardiac disease. Additionally, all the direct and indirect effects between depressive symptoms, somatization, fear of body sensations, cardiac anxiety, and healthcare use were significantly stronger in patients with history of cardiac disease.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with non-cardiac chest pain, in particular those with history of cardiac disease, psychological mechanisms play an important role for seeking healthcare. Development of interventions targeting psychological distress in these patients is warranted. Furthermore, there is also a need of more research to clarify as to whether such interventions should be tailored with regard to history of cardiac disease or not.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in patients who rule out versus rule in for acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Many patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the experience. Less is known about risk for PTSD in patients who rule out for ACS. Our objective was to compare the risk of developing PTSD among patients who rule out versus rule in for ACS.

METHODS

We enrolled a consecutive sample of 1000 patients presenting to an emergency department (ED) with symptoms of a probable ACS. We assessed presenting ACS symptoms in the ED. We determined whether presenting symptoms were due to a confirmed ACS or another etiology by chart review. We assessed PTSD by telephone 1 month after discharge using the PTSD Checklist specific for the suspected ACS event (PCL-S). We used logistic regression to determine the association of ruling out versus ruling in for ACS with a positive PTSD screen (PCL-S ≥ 32), adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, depression, trauma history, and pre-existing PTSD.

RESULTS

Approximately two-thirds of patients (68.2%) ruled out for ACS. Compared to confirmed ACS patients, patients who ruled out had similar presenting symptoms, and similar risk of screening positive for PTSD (18.9% versus 16.8%; p = 0.47; adjusted OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.69-2.00; p = 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

ED presentation with ACS symptoms was sufficient to trigger a positive PTSD screen whether the etiology was due to a life-threatening ACS or another etiology. Patients who present with ACS symptoms should be considered for interventions to prevent PTSD after hospitalization, regardless of symptom etiology.

Prevalence and clinical profile of chronic pain and its association with mental disorders

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence of 12-month self-reported pain and chronic pain in a general population and to describe their clinical profile to assess if chronic pain is associated with 12-month mental disorders.

METHODS

The data used comes from the São Paulo Megacity Mental Health Survey, a population-based study assessing adult (≥ 18 years) residents of the São Paulo metropolitan area, Brazil. We have assessed the respondents (n = 5,037) using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 3.0), with a global response rate of 81.3%. Descriptive analyses have been performed, and crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) have been calculated with logistic and multinomial regression and presented with respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

The prevalence of pain and chronic pain in the past 12 months were 52.6% (95%CI 50.3-54.8) and 31.0% (95%CI 29.2-32.7), respectively. Joints (16.5%, 95%CI 15.4-17.5) and back or neck (15.5%, 95%CI 14.2-16.9) were the most frequently reported anatomical sites of chronic pain. On a 10-point analogue scale, the mean intensity of the worst pain was 7.7 (95%CI 7.4-7.8), and the mean average pain was 5.5 (95%CI 5.2-5.6); the mean treatment response was 6.3 (95%CI 6.0-6.6). Mean pain duration was 16.1 (95%CI 15.6-17.0) days a month and 132 (95%CI 126-144) minutes a day. Chronic pain was associated with 12-month DSM-IV mental disorders (OR = 2.7, 95%CI 2.3-3.3), anxiety disorders (OR = 2.1, 95%CI 1.9-3.0), and mood disorders (OR = 3.3, 95%CI 2.4-4.1).

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of chronic pain in multiple sites is observed among the general adult population, and associations between chronic pain and mental disorders are frequent.

Determination of health anxiety, anxiety, and somatosensory amplification levels in individuals with normal coronary angiography

The objective of the present study is to determine the somatosensory amplification, anxiety, and depression levels in patients with normal coronary arteries. Thirty-five patients with normal coronary arteries and 35 healthy individuals of similar age and gender as the patient group were included in the study. Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS), Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI-18), Penn State Anxiety Scale (PSWQ), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were applied to all participants. Comparison of the patient group with the control group demonstrated that SSAS (22.7±8.2; 18.5±5.98; p=0.018), BAI (15.4±9.43; 9.4±7.3; p=0.004), BDI (24.9±13.5; 13.7±7.5; p<0.001), PSWQ (55.3±13.7; 33.8±6.7; p<0.001), and HAI-18 (18.8±8.7; 12.3±7.1; p=0.001) scores were statistically significantly higher in the patient group. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between SSAS, BAI, BDI, PSWQ, and HAI-18 scores. It was found that concerns about disease prevailed in patients having normal coronary arteries, the patients continued to amplify their somatic sensations, and their anxiety and depression scores were higher than those of healthy individuals. Thus, the necessity of these interventions should be assessed in detail in the future.

Positive and Negative Affect Is Related to Experiencing Chest Pain During Exercise-Induced Myocardial Ischemia

OBJECTIVE

Silent myocardial ischemia is thought to be associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes due to a lack of perception of pain cues that initiate treatment seeking. Negative affect (NA) has been associated with increased pain reporting and positive affect (PA) with decreased pain reporting, but these psychological factors have not been examined within the context of myocardial ischemia. This study evaluated the associations between PA, NA, and chest pain reporting in patients with and without ischemia during exercise testing.

METHODS

A total of 246 patients referred for myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography exercise stress testing completed the positive and negative affect schedule-expanded version, a measure of PA and NA. Presence of chest pain and myocardial ischemia were evaluated using standardized protocols.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analyses revealed that for every 1-point increase in NA, there was a 13% higher chance for ischemic patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 to 1.26) and an 11% higher chance in nonischemic patients (OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.19) to report chest pain. A significant interaction of PA and NA on chest pain reporting (β = 0.02; 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.031) was also observed; nonischemic patients with high NA and PA reported more chest pain (57%) versus patients with low NA and low PA (13%), with high NA and low PA (17%), and with high PA and low NA (7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who experience higher NA are more likely to report experiencing chest pain. In patients without ischemia, high NA and PA was also associated with a higher likelihood of reporting chest pain. Results suggest that high levels of PA as well as NA may increase the experience and/or reporting of chest pain.

Guided Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy in patients with non-cardiac chest pain - a pilot randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Patients with recurrent episodes of non-cardiac chest pain may experience cardiac anxiety and avoidance behavior, leading to increased healthcare utilization. These patients might benefit from help and support to evaluate the perception and management of their chest pain. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a short guided Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program and explore the effects on cardiac anxiety, fear of body sensations, depressive symptoms, and chest pain in patients with non-cardiac chest pain, compared with usual care.

METHODS

A pilot randomized controlled study was conducted. Fifteen patients with non-cardiac chest pain with cardiac anxiety or fear of body sensations, aged 22-76 years, were randomized to intervention (n = 7) or control (n = 8) groups. The four-session CBT program contained psychoeducation, physical activity, and relaxation. The control group received usual care. Data were collected before and after intervention.

RESULTS

Five of seven patients in the intervention group completed the program, which was perceived as user-friendly with comprehensible language, adequate and varied content, and manageable homework assignments. Being guided and supported, patients were empowered and motivated to be active and complete the program. Patients in both intervention and control groups improved with regard to cardiac anxiety, fear of body sensations, and depressive symptoms, but no significant differences were found between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The Internet-delivered CBT program seems feasible for patients with non-cardiac chest pain, but needs to be evaluated in larger groups and with a longer follow-up period.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02336880 . Registered on 8 January 2015.

Stable Ischemic Heart Disease

Classical angina refers to typical substernal discomfort triggered by effort or emotions, relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. The well-accepted pathogenesis is an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand. Goals in therapy are improvement in quality of life by limiting the number and severity of attacks, protection against future lethal events, and measures to lower the burden of risk factors to slow disease progression. New pathophysiological data, drugs, as well as conceptual and technological advances have improved patient care over the past decade. Behavioral changes to improve diets, increase physical activity, and encourage adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs, are difficult to achieve but are effective.

Clinical assessment and health-related quality of life in patients with non-cardiac chest pain

INTRODUCTION

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is mainly related to oesophageal disease, and in spite of being a common condition in Mexico, information regarding it is scarce.

AIM

To assess the clinical characteristics and health-related quality of life of patients with NCCP of presumed oesophageal origin.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with NCCP of presumed oesophageal origin with no previous treatment were included in the study. Associated symptoms were assessed and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and 24-hour oesophageal pH monitoring were performed to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease, while oesophageal manometry was used to determine oesophageal motility disorders. The SF-36 Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) questionnaire was completed and its results compared to a control group without oesophageal symptoms.

RESULTS

The study included 33 patients, of which 61% were women, and the mean age was 46.1 (±11.6) years. Causes of NCCP were gastroesophageal reflux disease in 48%, achalasia in 34%, and functional chest pain in 18%. The average progression time for chest pain was 24 (2-240) months, with ≤ 3 events/week in 52% of the patients. The most frequent accompanying symptoms were: regurgitation (81%), dysphagia (72%) and heartburn (66%). Patients with NCCP show deterioration in HR-QoL compared to the control group (P=.01), regardless of chest pain aetiology. The most affected areas were general perception of health, emotional issues, and mental health sub-scale (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In our population, patients with NCCP show deterioration in HR-QoL regardless of the aetiology, frequency, and accompanying symptoms.

Angina and mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia

OBJECTIVE

Mental stress-induced myocardial ischemia is a common phenomenon in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and an emerging prognostic factor. Mental stress ischemia is correlated with ambulatory ischemia. However, whether it is related to angina symptoms during daily life has not been examined.

METHODS

We assessed angina frequency (past month) in 98 post-myocardial infarction (MI) subjects (age 18-60 years) using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire. Patients underwent [(99m)Tc]sestamibi SPECT perfusion imaging at rest, after mental stress, and after exercise/pharmacological stress. Summed scores of perfusion abnormalities were obtained by observer-independent software. A summed difference score (SDS), the difference between stress and rest scores, was used to quantify myocardial ischemia under both stress conditions.

RESULTS

The mean age was 50 years, 50% were female and 60% were non-white. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, CAD severity, depressive, anger, and anxiety symptoms, each 1-point increase in mental stress-SDS was associated with 1.73-unit increase in the angina frequency score (95% CI: 0.09-3.37) and 17% higher odds of being in a higher angina frequency category (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00-1.38). Depressive symptoms were associated with 12% higher odds of being in a higher angina frequency category (OR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.03-1.21). In contrast, exercise/pharmacological stress-induced SDS was not associated with angina frequency.

CONCLUSION

Among young and middle-aged post-MI patients, myocardial ischemia induced by mental stress in the lab, but not by exercise/pharmacological stress, is associated with higher frequency of retrospectively reported angina during the day. Psychosocial stressors related to mental stress ischemia may be important contributory factor to daily angina.

Functional Status and Search for Meaning After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the search for meaning and functional status (psychological and physical) between persons who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention and have recurrent angina symptoms and those who do not have recurrent symptoms. Participants (224; 147 male, 77 female) who underwent PCI completed the following study materials: Meaning in Heart Disease instrument, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and SF36v2™. Persons with recurrent angina symptoms (40% of the sample) were more likely to have higher disrupted meaning, greater anxiety, greater depression, lower physical functioning, and greater use of meaning-based coping (searching for answers and refocusing global meaning) compared with individuals without recurrent symptoms. Interventions are needed to identify the risk of recurrent symptoms after percutaneous coronary intervention and provide coping and cognitive behavioral interventions focused on managing the psychological and physical disruptions.

Mental symptoms in patients with cardiac symptoms and normal coronary arteries

Objectives

Patients with chest pain and normal coronary arteries often suffer from physical and psychological symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the incidence of mental symptoms in patients with angiographic exclusion of a coronary heart disease.

Design

In 253 patients with angiographic exclusion of a coronary heart disease the type and intensity of their symptoms were evaluated before and after coronary angiography. In addition, the incidence of psychopathological symptoms was quantified by standardised questionnaires such as general anxiety and depression (HADS), heart-focused anxiety (CAQ), hypochondria (Whiteley Index) and somatoform disorder (SOMS) and quality of life (SF-12). Finally, the incidence of psychological symptoms in these patients was compared to the incidence in the normal population.

Results

Despite the absence of a coronary artery disease, 70% of patients continue to suffer from cardiac symptoms. The incidence of general anxiety was increased by 37% in women and by 22% in men in comparison to the normal population. Heart-focused anxiety was raised by 27%. Somatoform disorder appeared 120% more often in patients after cardiac catheterisation in comparison to the normal population. In addition, the incidence of hypochondria was elevated by 68% in patients after coronary angiography compared to normal population. This increased appearance of psychological symptoms was reflected in a significantly lower quality of life (SF-12) in patients with inconspicuous coronary angiography.

Conclusions

Patients with cardiac symptoms and normal coronary arteries more often suffer from mental symptoms in comparison to the healthy population.

Stable ischemic heart disease

Classical angina refers to typical substernal discomfort triggered by effort or emotions, relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. The well-accepted pathogenesis is an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand. Goals in therapy are improvement in quality of life by limiting the number and severity of attacks, protection against future lethal events, and measures to lower the burden of risk factors to slow disease progression. New pathophysiological data, drugs, as well as conceptual and technological advances have improved patient care over the past decade. Behavioral changes to improve diets, increase physical activity, and encourage adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs, are difficult to achieve but are effective.

Quality of life in patients with non-CAD chest pain: associations to fear of pain and psychiatric disorder severity

Chest pain in the absence of identified cardiac cause, or non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP), is a common condition that may result in impaired quality of life. Theories of NCCP put forward that patients who react to cardiopulmonary sensations with fear may avoid activities that elicit cardiac sensations. Co-morbid psychiatric disorders, which are prevalent in this population, may predispose individuals to be more vigilant to physiological sensations, including cardiac-related symptoms. The daily impact of avoiding cardiopulmonary cues may limit quality of life. This study examined psychiatric disorders, fear of pain, and quality of life in 30 non-coronary artery disease (CAD) chest pain patients. Psychiatric disorder severity was independently associated with mental health related quality of life and fear of pain was independently associated with physical health related quality of life. This research adds understanding to contributory factors to impaired quality of life among patients with non-CAD chest pain.

Societal costs of non-cardiac chest pain compared with ischemic heart disease--a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) is a common complaint. Our aim was to present a detailed description of the costs of patients with NCCP compared to patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and Angina Pectoris (AP) from a societal perspective.

METHODS

Data on healthcare utilization and annual societal costs, including direct healthcare costs and indirect costs due to productivity loss, were collected from different databases. The participants consisted of 199 patients from a general hospital in Sweden (99 with NCCP, 51 with AMI, 49 with AP), mean age of 67 years, 59% men.

RESULTS

NCCP, AMI, and AP patients had on average 54, 50 and 65 primary care contacts and 3, 4, and 4 hospital admissions during a period of 2 years. Length of hospital stay was 6, 11 and 11 days. On average, 14%, 18%, and 25% of NCCP, AMI and AP patients were on sick-leave annually, and about 12% in each group received a disability pension. The mean annual societal costs of NCCP, AMI and AP patients were €10,068, €15,989 and €14,737.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the annual societal cost of NCCP patients was lower than in AMI and AP patients, the cost was still considerable (€10,068). Taken into account the high prevalence of NCCP, the cumulative annual national cost of these patients could be more than the double of AMI and AP if all patients incurred the same costs as in this study. Targeted interventions are important in order to support patients with NCCP and minimize healthcare utilization and costs.

Characteristics of esophageal proper muscle in patients with non-cardiac chest pain using high-frequency intraluminal ultrasound

BACKGROUND AND AIM

It is unclear which mechanisms play a predominant role in the pathogenesis of esophageal non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP). We aimed to examine the features of esophageal proper muscle and esophageal contractility using a high-frequency intraluminal ultrasound (HFIUS) in patients with NCCP.

METHODS

A total of 68 patients with NCCP were classified into two groups according to the results of typical reflux symptoms and/or esophagogastroduodenoscopy and/or 24-h esophageal pH monitoring: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-positive NCCP (n = 34) and GERD-negative NCCP groups (n = 34). Additionally 16 asymptomatic healthy subjects were included as controls. Using HFIUS, we analyzed the esophageal proper muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA) at 3 cm above lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and 9 cm above LES during baseline rest and peak contraction periods among the control, GERD-positive NCCP and GERD-negative NCCP groups, and examined the completeness of three phases of esophageal action during five wet swallows in the three groups.

RESULTS

The muscle thickness and CSA tended to be larger in GERD-negative NCCP than in GERD-positive NCCP and in control groups at esophageal body during both periods. All of the controls and patients with GERD-positive NCCP presented the complete peristaltic type. Whereas, 11 of 34 patients with GERD-negative NCCP presented the incomplete peristaltic type.

CONCLUSIONS

Using HFIUS, patients with GERD-negative NCCP had increased muscle thickness and CSA. Some GERD-negative NCCP had the incomplete peristaltic type.

Clinically distinct characteristics in patients younger than 40 years old with non-cardiac chest pain

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Little is known about non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) in young patients. We aimed to examine the proportion of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in young patients with NCCP compared to the average-aged NCCP patients and to evaluate their symptomatic characteristics and the clinical efficacy of a 2-week proton pump inhibitor (PPI) trial.

METHODS

Ninety-six patients with NCCP≥1/week were classified into the young-aged (≤ 40 years, n =38) and the average-aged groups (>40 years, n=58). Typical reflux symptoms were assessed. The patients were defined into a GERD group and non-GERD group according to reflux esophagitis on esophagogastroduodenoscopy and/or pathologic acid exposure on 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Then the patients were treated with 30mg of lansoprazole bid for 14 days.

RESULTS

Nine patients (23%) in the young-aged group and 22 patients (38%) in average-aged group were diagnosed with GERD-related NCCP (P=0.144). The proportion of typical reflux symptoms was higher in the GERD group compared with the non-GERD group in both age groups. A PPI test improved symptoms in the GERD group irrespective of age, but this improvement was not observed in non-GERD group.

CONCLUSIONS

In young NCCP patients, the prevalence of GERD was relatively low compared to average-aged NCCP, but the difference was insignificant. The PPI test was very effective in diagnosing GERD in the NCCP patients in both age groups. Therefore, in young NCCP patients, if there is a negative response to a 2-week PPI trial, the possibility of extra-esophageal disease origin needs to be considered.

Depressive symptoms and healthcare utilization in patients with noncardiac chest pain compared to patients with ischemic heart disease

OBJECTIVES

We compared depressive symptoms and healthcare utilization in patients admitted for noncardiac chest pain, acute myocardial infarction, and angina pectoris after hospitalization and at 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-one patients with noncardiac chest pain, 66 with acute myocardial infarction, and 70 with angina pectoris completed a depression screening questionnaire and the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Healthcare utilization data were collected from a population-based, diagnosis-related database.

RESULTS

More than 25% of respondents reported depressive symptoms, regardless of diagnosis. At follow-up, 9% had recovered, 19% were still experiencing depressive symptoms, and 13% had developed depressive symptoms. Noncardiac patients with chest pain had similar primary care contacts, but fewer hospital admissions, than patients with an acute myocardial infarction. Patients with angina pectoris and depressive symptoms used the most healthcare services.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms were common. Patients with noncardiac chest pain used as much primary care as did patients with an acute myocardial infarction. Interventions should focus on identifying and treating depressive symptoms.

Distress related to myocardial infarction and cardiovascular outcome: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

During acute coronary syndromes patients perceive intense distress. We hypothesized that retrospective ratings of patients' MI-related fear of dying, helplessness, or pain, all assessed within the first year post-MI, are associated with poor cardiovascular outcome.

METHODS

We studied 304 patients (61 ± 11 years, 85% men) who after a median of 52 days (range 12-365 days) after index MI retrospectively rated the level of distress in the form of fear of dying, helplessness, or pain they had perceived at the time of MI on a numeric scale ranging from 0 ("no distress") to 10 ("extreme distress"). Non-fatal hospital readmissions due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) related events (i.e., recurrent MI, elective and non-elective stent implantation, bypass surgery, pacemaker implantation, cerebrovascular incidents) were assessed at follow-up. The relative CVD event risk was computed for a (clinically meaningful) 2-point increase of distress using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 32 months (range 16-45), 45 patients (14.8%) experienced a CVD-related event requiring hospital readmission. Greater fear of dying (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03-1.43), helplessness (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.44), or pain (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02-1.58) were significantly associated with an increased CVD risk without adjustment for covariates. A similarly increased relative risk emerged in patients with an unscheduled CVD-related hospital readmission, i.e., when excluding patients with elective stenting (fear of dying: HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.05-1.51; helplessness: 1.26, 95% CI 1.05-1.52; pain: HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.01-1.66). In the fully-adjusted models controlling for age, the number of diseased coronary vessels, hypertension, and smoking, HRs were 1.24 (95% CI 1.04-1.46) for fear of dying, 1.26 (95% CI 1.06-1.50) for helplessness, and 1.26 (95% CI 1.01-1.57) for pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Retrospectively perceived MI-related distress in the form of fear of dying, helplessness, or pain was associated with non-fatal cardiovascular outcome independent of other important prognostic factors.

Chest pain of cardiac and noncardiac origin

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms driving patients to a physician's office or the hospital's emergency department. In approximately half of the cases, chest pain is of cardiac origin, either ischemic cardiac or nonischemic cardiac disease. The other half is due to noncardiac causes, primarily esophageal disorder. Pain from either origin may occur in the same patient. In addition, psychological and psychiatric factors play a significant role in the perception and severity of the chest pain, irrespective of its cause. Chest pain of ischemic cardiac disease is called angina pectoris. Stable angina may be the prelude of ischemic cardiac disease; and for this reason, it is essential to ensure a correct diagnosis. In most cases, further testing, such as exercise testing and angiography, should be considered. The more severe form of chest pain, unstable angina, also requires a firm diagnosis because it indicates severe coronary disease and is the earliest manifestation of acute myocardial infarction. Once a diagnosis of stable or unstable angina is established, and if a decision is made not to use invasive therapy, such as coronary bypass, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or stent insertion, effective medical treatment of associated cardiac risk factors is a must. Acute myocardial infarction occurring after a diagnosis of angina greatly increases the risk of subsequent death. Chest pain in women warrants added attention because women underestimate their likelihood to have coronary heart disease. A factor that complicates the clinical assessment of patients with chest pain (both cardiac and noncardiac in origin) is the relatively common presence of psychological and psychiatric conditions such as depression or panic disorder. These factors have been found to cause or worsen chest pain; but unfortunately, they may not be easily detected. Noncardiac chest pain represents the remaining half of all cases of chest pain. Although there are a number of causes, gastroesophageal disorders are by far the most prevalent, especially gastroesophageal reflux disease. Fortunately, this disease can be diagnosed and treated effectively by proton-pump inhibitors. The other types of non-gastroesophageal reflux disease-related noncardiac chest pain are more difficult to diagnose and treat. In conclusion, the cause of chest pain must be accurately diagnosed; and treatment must be pursued according to the cause, especially if the cause is of cardiac origin.

Recent advances in the management of chronic stable angina I: approach to the patient, diagnosis, pathophysiology, risk stratification, and gender disparities

The potential importance of both prevention and personal responsibility in controlling heart disease, the leading cause of death in the USA and elsewhere, has attracted renewed attention. Coronary artery disease is preventable, using relatively simple and inexpensive lifestyle changes. The inexorable rise in the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, often in the risk cluster known as the metabolic syndrome, drives the ever-increasing incidence of heart disease. Population-wide improvements in personal health habits appear to be a fundamental, evidence based public health measure, yet numerous barriers prevent implementation. A common symptom in patients with coronary artery disease, classical angina refers to the typical chest pressure or discomfort that results when myocardial oxygen demand rises and coronary blood flow is reduced by fixed, atherosclerotic, obstructive lesions. Different forms of angina and diagnosis, with a short description of the significance of pain and silent ischemia, are discussed in this review. The well accepted concept of myocardial oxygen imbalance in the genesis of angina is presented with new data about clinical pathology of stable angina and acute coronary syndromes. The roles of stress electrocardiography and stress myocardial perfusion scintigraphic imaging are reviewed, along with the information these tests provide about risk and prognosis. Finally, the current status of gender disparities in heart disease is summarized. Enhanced risk stratification and identification of patients in whom procedures will meaningfully change management is an ongoing quest. Current guidelines emphasize efficient triage of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Many experts believe the predictive value of current decision protocols for coronary artery disease still needs improvement in order to optimize outcomes, yet avoid unnecessary coronary angiograms and radiation exposure. Coronary angiography remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of coronary artery obstructive disease. Part II of this two part series will address anti-ischemic therapies, new agents, cardiovascular risk reduction, options to treat refractory angina, and revascularization.

Change over time in posttraumatic stress caused by myocardial infarction and predicting variables

OBJECTIVE

The traumatic experience of a heart attack may evolve into symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, which can be diagnosed at the earliest 1 month after myocardial infarction (MI). While several predictors of posttraumatic stress in the first year after MI have been described, we particularly sought to identify longer-term predictors and predictors of change in posttraumatic stress over time.

METHODS

We studied 274 post-MI patients with complete data (mean 61+/-10 years, 84% men). After a median of 60 days (range 30-365) following the index MI (study entry), they were asked to rate MI-related posttraumatic stress as well as psychological distress perceived during MI. After a median of 32 months (range 19-45) later, all patients were asked to rate posttraumatic stress again (follow-up).

RESULTS

Female gender (P=.038) as well as greater helplessness (P<.001) and pain (P=.049) during MI predicted greater posttraumatic stress at study entry. Greater posttraumatic stress at follow-up was predicted by greater posttraumatic stress at study entry (P<.001), shorter duration of follow-up (P=.046), and greater pain during MI (P=.030). The decrease in posttraumatic stress over time (P<.001) was greater in patients with greater posttraumatic stress at study entry (P<.001) and in those with less pain during MI (P=.032).

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic characteristics and perceived distress during MI were predictors of shorter-term posttraumatic stress. Although posttraumatic stress decreased over time and strongest in patients showing the greatest levels initially, greater short-term posttraumatic stress predicted maintenance of posttraumatic stress. Intense pain during MI adversely impacted both longer-term posttraumatic stress and its recovery.

Lack of social support in the etiology and the prognosis of coronary heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relevance of low social support for the development and course of coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

Three electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, PsycINFO/PSYNDEX, and Web of Science 2007/03). More than 1700 papers were screened in a first step. We included prospective studies assessing the impact of social support in either an initially healthy study population (etiologic studies) or in a study population with preexisting CHD (prognostic studies).

OUTCOMES

Myocardial infarction in etiologic studies; cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality in prognostic studies. Effects were reported as relative risk (RR) or hazard ratio (HR).

RESULTS

There is some evidence for an impact of low functional social support on the prevalence of CHD in etiologic studies (RR, range, 1.00-2.23). In contrast, there is no evidence of an impact of low structural social support on the prevalence of myocardial infarction in healthy populations (RR, range, 1.01-1.2). In prognostic studies, results consistently show that low functional support negatively affects cardiac and all-cause mortality (pooled RR, range, 1.59-1.71). These results were also confirmed in analyses adjusted for other risk factors for disease progression (pooled HR, 1.59). It remains unclear whether low structural social support increases mortality in patients with CHD (pooled RR, between 1.56; pooled HR, 1.12, NS).

CONCLUSIONS

Because the perception of social support seems important for CHD prognosis, monitoring of functional social support is indicated in patients with CHD, and interventions to increase the perception of positive social resources are warranted.

Lower-leg symptoms in peripheral arterial disease are associated with anxiety, depression, and anhedonia

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) report diverse clinical manifestations that are not always consistent with classic intermittent claudication. We examined the degree to which atypical exertional leg symptoms, intermittent claudication, and exertional leg symptoms that begin at rest were associated with mood states such as anxiety, depressive symptoms, and anhedonia (i.e. lack of positive affect). A cohort of consecutive PAD patients (n = 628) from the Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the San Diego Claudication questionnaire. The ankle-brachial index and clinical factors were assessed in all patients at baseline. Anxiety was present in 29%, depressive symptoms in 30%, and anhedonia in 28% of patients. Pain at rest was independently associated with anxiety, depressive symptoms, and anhedonia (ORs between 2.5 and 4.0, p </= 0.001), while there was no relationship between intermittent claudication and mood states. Patients with atypical leg symptoms had a twofold risk of anxiety (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.5, p < 0.05). Adjusting for sex, age, ankle-brachial index, cardiovascular history, time since ankle-brachial index screening, clinical factors, and medication use, both pain at rest (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.6-7.0, p = 0.001) and atypical leg symptoms (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.9, p < 0.05) were associated with comorbid mood problems. In conclusion, PAD patients with atypical leg symptoms or pain at rest reported more impaired mood than patients without those symptoms. These patients should be monitored closely in clinical practice, as previous research in cardiovascular patients has shown that mood disorders and sub-threshold symptoms predict poor prognosis.

The role of emotional imagery and somatosensory amplification in atypical chest pain in patients with angina pectoris: a single-case experimental design

BACKGROUND

Atypical chest pain is a common condition that has poor symptomatic, functional, and psychological outcomes. Individuals with abnormal coronary anatomy who experience chest pain present a particular challenge to medical services as they frequently report other chest sensations that are atypical of their condition. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found to be effective in the treatment of atypical chest pain, suggesting that anxiety may have a significant etiological role. Normal or minor physical sensations may be interpreted as evidence of serious medical problems, resulting in a vicious circle of anxiety, physiological arousal, and hypervigilance.

METHODS

The present study evaluated the role of emotional imagery and somatosensory amplification in the experience of atypical chest pain in a patient with diagnosed angina pectoris. Using an experimental ABACA reversal design, the patient was assisted to engage in 3 types of imagery via the presentation of 3 prerecorded scripts: (A) neutral, (B) angina pectoris, and (C) idiosyncratic emotional imagery. Subjective measures of atypical chest sensation intensity were collected at 5 points during each script presentation.

RESULTS

It was found that the patient experienced more intense chest sensations while engaged in the first angina pectoris imagery condition compared to the second presentation of the neutral script. This difference was found to be statistically significant, using an interrupted time series analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study support the view that anxiety processes can exacerbate and intensify the experience of atypical chest sensations in patients who have abnormal coronary anatomy.

Prevalence and predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder in patients with acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

We estimated the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and identified predictors of self-rated PTSD symptoms in patients post-myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

We recruited 400 patients (mean age 60 +/- 12 years, 79% were men) with a previous acute index MI who were referred to a tertiary cardiology clinic. PTSD was assessed by the Clinician-administered PTSD Scale, and self-rated severity of PTSD symptom levels were assessed by the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale.

RESULTS

Of the 190 patients who completed the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale, 34 met the cutoff for clinically significant PTSD symptomatology and 32 agreed to be interviewed. Among these patients, the Clinician-administered PTSD Scale interview yielded a prevalence of full and subsyndromal PTSD of 9.5% (95% confidence interval 7.4-11.6). Retrospectively rated feelings of helplessness (beta = .47, P < .001) and pain intensity during MI (beta = .15, P = .019) independently predicted PTSD symptom level.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 10% of patients post-MI had full or subsyndromal PTSD. Subjective perception of MI predicted self-rated PTSD symptom level.

An interactive model of pain and myocardial ischemia

The biopsychosocial model has been used to describe the intertwined factors that may act as mechanisms in cardiovascular disease, as well as those found in pain conditions. This model may also prove useful in understanding a diagnosis that overlaps these two areas, angina. This article reviews the literature related to biological, psychological, and social mechanisms of painful ischemic episodes and discusses the interactions of those variables. We propose an integrated model that incorporates the biopsychosocial mechanisms that may be responsible for the variability in pain reporting with ischemic episodes. We show how sex differences manifested in various biopsychosocial factors may interact to influence the presence of painful versus silent myocardial ischemia. We present a plan for future research to elucidate this interaction.

Medication use in a female orofacial pain population

OBJECTIVE

This study compared, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the self-reported medication usage between an adult female orofacial pain population and a comparison group.

STUDY DESIGN

Eighty-seven subjects from both an orofacial pain center (OPC) and undergraduate dental clinic (UDC) completed a standardized medical history questionnaire. Both groups had a similar distribution with regard to age. The number of medications and medication categories were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis used the Student t-test, Fisher's exact tests, Pearson's chi2 tests, and calculated odds ratios.

RESULTS

The number of pain and non-pain medications, and the number of medication categories endorsed by OPC subjects was significantly higher compared with the UDC group.

CONCLUSION

Adult female orofacial pain subjects report greater overall and higher rate of medication use, which was not limited to only the analgesic/narcotic categories, than the comparison group.

Role of clinical presentation in diagnosing reflux-related non-cardiac chest pain

INTRODUCTION

Non-cardiac chest pain (NCCP) presents as a frequent diagnostic challenge, with patients tending to use a disproportionate level of health-care resources. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most frequent cause of NCCP. Thus the typical symptoms of reflux, such as heartburn and regurgitation, when present as predominant symptoms are quite specific for diagnosing GERD but in patients with NCCP the clinical diagnosis of reflux is difficult, and invasive methods or the omeprazole test are required for its detection. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of clinical presentation when diagnosing GERD among patients with NCCP.

METHODS

Patients with NCCP underwent upper endoscopy, Bernstein and omeprazole tests. The patients were divided into two groups based on GER- or non-GER-related chest pain, and clinical presentation was compared between these two groups. Gastroesophageal reflux disease was considered positive when at least two methods were positive.

RESULTS

From 78 NCCP patients (41 male; mean age 50.4 +/- 2.3 years), the chest pain was related to GERD in 35 patients (44.8%). The two groups were the same based on sex and age. The chest pain severity, site, radiation and relation to food, exercise, and sleep were equal in the two groups, except for two symptoms: pain that was relieved by antacid (P < 0.031) and presence of classical reflux symptoms (P < 0.009), seen in the GERD patients. With regard to recent patient history, heartburn and regurgitation symptoms were seen more frequently in GERD patients (P < 0.036 and P < 0.002, respectively).

DISCUSSION

Clinical presentation is important in diagnosing GERD in NCCP. Although the chest pain is the same in reflux- and non-reflux-related NCCP, the symptoms of heartburn or regurgitation in the present or recent patient history are diagnostic for GERD-related chest pain.

Depression is associated with cardiac symptoms, mortality risk, and hospitalization among women with suspected coronary disease: the NHLBI-sponsored WISE study

OBJECTIVE

Depression is a robust predictor of cardiovascular risk. In this study, we examined the association between depression measured in terms of symptom severity and treatment history, cardiac symptom presentation, and clinical outcomes among a sample of women with suspected myocardial ischemia.

METHODS

Seven hundred fifty women with chest pain, mean age 53.4, completed a diagnostic protocol including depression measures, coronary angiogram, ischemia testing, and coronary disease risk factor assessment. Five hundred five participants also completed the Beck Depression Inventory. We further tracked participants over a mean 2.3-year period to evaluate subsequent cardiac events, hospitalization, and mortality.

RESULTS

Depression treatment history and current symptom severity were differentially associated with cardiac symptoms and outcomes. Both measures were reliably associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors and more severe cardiac symptoms. Depression symptom severity was linked to an increased mortality risk over follow-up (RR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09), whereas depression treatment history predicted an increased risk of hospitalization (RR = 1.3; 95% CI, 1.02-1.6), less severe CAD from angiogram, and a reduced likelihood of a positive ischemia test.

CONCLUSION

Among a sample of women with suspected myocardial ischemia, depression was associated with cardiac symptoms and health outcomes over follow-up. The findings extend the range of depression effects by demonstrating relationships within a sample of women experiencing symptoms of myocardial ischemia but showing a relative absence of flow limiting coronary stenoses. Depression measurements can assist the clinician in evaluating cardiac symptom presentation and cardiovascular risk status in women.