Patients' fears in coronary arteriography

This study was concerned with the objects of fear and the intensity of fear s related to coronary arteriography (CA) in 378 patients scheduled for coro nary arteriography at a university hospital. Intensity of fear was measured on a 10-point Likert-type scale which listed 26 objects of fear. The patie nts were asked to assess the intensity of their fears both before and after CA. The results showed that the intensity of fear varied depending upon th e object of fear. The highest intensity was recorded for fear of coronary a rtery bypass surgery. A significant increase was found in fear of lying fla t in bed after CA and Fear of not receiving social support. Fears of uncert ainty about the illness, the CA procedure, results of CA, pain. coronary ar tery bypass surgery and coronary angioplasty decreased significantly after CA. Significant associations were found between objects of fear and patient demographics. It is concluded that patients' fears should be assessed indi vidually both before and after CA. Special attention should be paid to the fears of women. patients under 45 years, upper and lower level employees an d the unemployed.