MODIFICATION OF PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY 5 MONTHS AFTER MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION - RELEVANCE OF BIOGRAPHIC AND PERSONALITY-CHARACTERISTICS

The relation between modification of physical activity, a risk factor for coronary heart disease, and personality characteristics was assess ed in 166 survivors of a first myocardial infarction (MI). Physical ac tivity was assessed before MI in retrospect, and again 5 months after MI. Patients were divided into 3 categories according to their current daily-life physical activities: less active than before MI (n = 24), equally active as before MI (n = 82), or more active than before MI (n = 60). A significant differentiation was found between patients who b ecame less physically active than before MI and the other 2 categories . This less active category was characterized by feelings of disabilit y, a low level of vigor, and feelings of anxiety. In addition, this pa tient group was on average older and more often female. The results we re adjusted for participation in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Fin ally, the discussion recommends involving psychological intervention i n the exercise program for the less active category of patients to dim inish feelings of anxiety and disability and to improve vigor.