The Role of Psychological Factors in Cardiac and Non-Cardiac Chest Pain

Pp: 40-72 (33)

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Abstract

Chest pain as a common symptom in general population is considered to be the second most common cause of presentation to emergency departments of medical centers. Such pains are categorized broadly into cardiac chest pain (CCP) vs. noncardiac chest pain (NCCP). In patients with cardiac diseases, the main symptoms of psychological reactions to pain include psychological stress, fear and anxiety, pain resulting from anxiety, and anxiety and depression as a result of pain. Furthermore, there is a relationship between perceived psychological factors and the psychological distress, and sustained NCCP could lead to the development of depression, stress and low mental quality of life. Controlled clinical trials on treating CCP and NCCP have shown that these relatively extensive interventions have been effective in reducing psychological distress, periods of chest pain frequency, and lowering functional problems.

Keywords: Angina pectoris, Cardiac chest pain, Cardiovascular diseases, Cognitive - behavior therapy, Non-cardiac chest pain, Psychological distress, Psychological factors, Psychotherapy.

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