Adjusting to Coronary Artery Disease: Coping with the Problems of Convalescence Following Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Just as delay is the principal problem of the pre-hospital period in myocardial infarction, depression is the major stress of the post-hospital period or convalescense [1, 2]. This depressive response is said to be universal. Among others, Paul Dudley White acknowledged its importance in his statement, “It is important to realize that the heart may recover more rapidly than the depressed mental state which is so often a complication” [3]. The intensity of the depression varies from patient to patient, as does its course in time. It is reactive in nature, meaning that it occurs in response to the changes of life-style the infarction brings about. Generally, depressive thoughts focus about predictable concerns such as survival, earning capacity, ability to function as a family member and parent, as a sexual partner, and to lead an active life.