[Anxiety in acute phase of ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction].

INTRODUCTION Period after ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction is followed by different psychological reactions. Anxiety represents one possible psychological problem. AIM To investigate presence of anxiety in patients within period from 48 hours till 15 days after ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Fourty patients formed analyzed group. Their average age was 65.3 +/- 10.3 years (33-83). Twenty of them were females. Thirty patients formed controled group. Their average age was 57.46 +/- 10.6 years (42-78). Eleven of them were females. Twenty questions self-assessment Zung scales were used for anxiety levels determination, Responses were scored by points, which were summarized as final result. Final score of 50 and more points suggested that anxiety was present. RESULTS Average self-assessment anxiety score within 48 hours since ischemic stroke was 44.4 +/- 8.8 points, and 15-th day 42.2 +/- 7.7 (p=0.237). In twelve patients (30%) anxiety was found during the first surveying, and in 10 patients (25 %) during the second the surveying. Average self-assessment anxiety score within 48 hours since myocardial infarction was 43.1 +/- 8.3 points, and 15-th day 43.2 +/- 6.7 (p=0.959). In seven patients (23.3%) anxiety was found during first surveying, and in 5 patients (16.7%) during second surveying (p=0.52). CONCLUSION Anxiety represents important psychological problem for patients after ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Aldo number of anxiety patients is larger within 48 hours after ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction, average value in anxiety scale stays unreduced even 15 days after the beginning of the disease.