Chest pain perception in patients with acute myocardial infarction: Relation to depression, anxiety, and cognitive function

The purpose of this study was to compare chest pain perception in older and younger patients with acute myocardial infarction. The relationship between chest pain intensity and depression, anxiety, and cognitive function was also investigated. Forty patients with confirmed acute myocardial infarction participated in this study. Nineteen patients were in the older-age group (≥60 years) and 21 patients were in the younger age group (<60 years). Demographics, medical history, admission findings, and medications were recorded. Symptoms were evaluated by a closed-ended checklist. Chest pain intensity was measured using a 10-cm visual analogue scale. Depression level was determined using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). State and trait anxiety level was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The Mini-Mental State Examination was used to determine cognitive function. The results showed that chest pain intensity in older patients was not significantly different from that of younger patients. However, it was significantly related to years of education, income, state anxiety score, and BDI score only in the older patients. In conclusion, perceived chest pain intensity in acute myocardial infarction in patients aged ≥60 years was influenced by years of education, income, current level of anxiety and depression.