Potential role of positive psychology on risk stratification in patients with myocardial infarction

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess whether biological risk factors after a MI are associated with different positive psychology factors (i.e.: optimism, well-being, positive affect), which could help refine risk stratification with a view to different therapeutic strategies to promote lifestyle changes.

Results: 93 patients admitted with MI were divided according to early electrocardiogram (STEMI vs. NSTEMI) and cardiac function (LVEF ≥50% vs. <50%). The patients were assessed in coping styles, quality of life, levels of anxiety, depression, stress, optimism, positive and negative affect and psychological well-being.

STEMI participants exhibited significantly lower levels of optimism (p = 0.03) compared to NSTEMI. LVEF <50% participants showed significantly lower levels of positive affect (p = 0.02) than LVEF> 50%.

Conclusions: High biological risk patients with MI (i.e., STEMI and poor LVEF) seem to have lower levels of positive psychology factors compared to biological lower risk patients (NSTEMI and LVEF ≥50%). This may have future implications for the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with MI.