Title

Psychosocial effects of enhanced external counterpulsation in the angina patient: a second study

UMMS Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry

Date

3-10-2001

Document Type

Article

Medical Subject Headings

Aged; Angina Pectoris; Counterpulsation; Depression; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; *Quality of Life; *Social Adjustment

Disciplines

Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive technique that has shown promise in the treatment of ischemic coronary artery disease. Patients undergoing EECP were tested for alterations in psychosocial state associated with treatment. Overall perception of health and quality of life improved with EECP. There was also significant improvement in levels of depression, anxiety, and somatization but no change in levels of anger or hostility. On most measures, change was more significant for subjects who showed objective evidence of resolution of ischemia. Given the known predictive relationship between depression and mortality from cardiac disease, the improvement in depression scores through EECP indicates a finding of potential importance that may warrant further study in future research.

Susan Springer graduated from University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1998; her participation in this study began as part of her 1997-1998 Senior Scholars research project.

Rights and Permissions

Citation: Psychosomatics. 2001 Mar-Apr;42(2):124-32.

Related Resources

Link to Article in PubMed

Comments

Susan Springer initially participated in this study as a UMMS medical student for her Senior Scholars research project.


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