Dynamics of parameters of psychological status of patients with stable ischemic heart disease and coronary artery bypass surgery

Aim. Assessment and analysis of parameters of psychological status of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) referred for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).

Materials and Methods. A study of parameters of psychological status, in particular, of the attitude to illness, coping strategies, and lifelong orientations was conducted in 58 male patients aged 40 to 74 years with a stable form of CHD before and after CABG surgery. The parameters were evaluated by a clinical psychologist in 2-3 days after admission of the patient to the hospital and in 7-8 days after CABG. Clinical and psychological diagnostics was carried out using the following questionnaires: TOBOL (L.I. Wasserman, et al.), «Life-Purpose Orientations» (D.A. Leontiev), «Coping Behavior Strategies» (R. Lazarus, adapted version of T.A. Kryukova). Statistical analysis was performed with use of computer Statistica 10.0 software program.

Results. After CABG patients with coronary artery disease show a significant reduction of the parameters of the anxious variant of the internal picture of the disease on the basis of TOBOL questionnaire, of the «positive re-evaluation» coping strategy on the basis of evaluation of stress-coping behavior and of the level of «Aim» scale on the basis of evaluation of the level of neurotization using the «Life-Purpose» test.

Conclusion. The results of the study indicate reduction of the level of adaptation to the disease in patients with coronary artery disease after CABG in result of behavioral disorders and difficulties in setting further aims for recovery. To increase postoperative adaptation, the psychocorrection measures may be «targeted» to the coping strategy for «positive re-evaluation» and assistance in setting aims in the postoperative stage of CABG.