Psychosocial Factors in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A Clinical Study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate psychosocial factors influencing patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and examine their clinical characteristics.

Methods: A total of 50 CHD patients and 50 healthy controls were recruited from the Cardiovascular Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital between January 2022 and January 2023. Participants completed structured questionnaires, including a demographic form, Life Events Scale (LES), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Coping Style Questionnaire (CSQ), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Results were compared between groups to assess psychosocial risk factors for CHD.

Results: Patients with CHD exhibited significantly higher rates of family history of cardiovascular disease. The incidence of negative life events was greater in the CHD group than controls (P<0.01). Mean scores on the SDS and SAS were significantly elevated in CHD patients compared to controls (P<0.01). CHD patients also demonstrated lower levels of positive coping styles and social support, while negative coping styles were significantly higher (P<0.01).

Conclusion: Genetic predisposition, personality traits, maladaptive coping styles, and heightened anxiety and depression are major contributors to the onset and progression of CHD. Interventions targeting psychosocial risk factors may improve prognosis, reduce recurrence, and enhance patient outcomes.