The study presented at ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2023 ran between 2016 and 2021 and involved 245 patients who had cardiac arrest and were admitted to the hospital in a coma. About 18% of the patients were women.
During a four-month follow-up appointment, psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Symptoms of PTSD were also assessed using the PCL-5 checklist.
Researchers found that depression and anxiety scores were significantly higher in women than men. Women also had substantially higher levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) than men who had experienced cardiac arrest. However, in both men and women, anxiety was highly correlated to PTSD symptoms.
Study author Dr. Jesper Kjaergaard said, “The findings confirm our experience in clinical practice that the psychological effects of cardiac arrest persist for months. Anxiety was frequent, particularly in women. Our results highlight the need for long-term follow-up of cardiac arrest survivors to identify and treat mental health issues. Patients should be encouraged to tell their healthcare professional about anxiety, depression and stress related to the cardiac arrest. Future studies are needed to investigate whether talking to a professional can help alleviate psychological symptoms.”
Cardiac arrest is a serious and often fatal condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is responsible for one in five deaths in industrialized countries, making it one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide.
The condition occurs when the heart stops pumping blood around the body, depriving vital organs of oxygen and nutrients. As a result, the individual can pass out and die within just minutes if the flow is not restored quickly.
Unfortunately, less than 10% of people who suffer from cardiac arrest in the community can survive long enough to be discharged from the hospital. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing this life-threatening condition.
Reducing Anxiety
Anxiety is a complex and often debilitating condition that a range of factors can cause, as this study helps to show. While everyone experiences anxiety to some degree, those who suffer from an anxiety disorder know firsthand the impact it can have on their daily lives. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including persistent worry, panic attacks, and avoidance behaviors. It’s important to understand that anxiety is a real and pervasive issue affecting millions of people worldwide.
Reducing anxiety can be tough, but with the help of Anxiety Rescue, you can help to support healthy mood balance and cognitive function. Through various ingredients, this unique formula can help target multiple aspects of stress, mood support and anxiety. Anxiety Rescue begins to work quickly and improves benefits and support as the weeks go on.