1924 – Psychological Characteristic Of Atypical Chest Pain Patients Versus Coronary Patients

Abstract

Introduction

Near 25% of chest pain patients who refer to cardiologist do not have coronary disease or any other organic cause. Psychogenesis of their symptoms is often unrecognized so, they are treated neither cardiologic, nor psychiatric.

Method

We have evaluated 30 nonorganic chest pain patients and compare with 30 coronary patients in regard their socio demographic characteristic, stressful life events, level of anxiety and depression and presence of psychiatric disorder. We have used SCL- 90 R, M.I.N.I, Hamilton Anxiety and Hamilton Depression Scale, Holms -Rache Scale of life events.

Results

Non organic patients were predominant women, age under 40, who have had their job lost or death in the family. Panic disorder was present at 8 patients, General Anxiety disorder at 5, and Somatoform disorder at 10 patients in these groop. Coronary patients had Minor depression disorder at 4 patients, and General Anxiety disorder at 2 patients. Level of anxiety (Hamilton Scale, SCL-90 R) somatization (SCL-90 R) and global distress (SCL-90 R) was significant higher in nonorganic chest pain patients compared with coronary patients.

Conclusion

Cardiologists should consider psychogenesis of unexplained chest and recomended psychiatric evaluation and treatment in the early phase of disorder. Careful cardiologic follow up is also recomended for these distressed patients.