Association Between Perceived Control and Acute Coronary Syndrome Symptom Severity: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether there are differences in patterns of symptom severity in three major ACS symptoms (i.e., chest pain, fatigue, and dyspnoea) over the days of CCU stay between patients with higher and lower levels of perceived control.

Design: A prospective cohort study with 3 days of follow- up.

Methods: Hundred and thirty- five patients were followed prospectively for 3 days, collecting data on (1) perceived control, using the Arabic version of the Controlled Attitude Scale (CAS- R); and (2) symptom severity, using a symptoms diary. A mixed repeated measure design ANOVA was used for data analysis.

Results: Comparative analysis of the high- and low- perceived control groups revealed that there was a significant reduction in chest pain, fatigue, and dyspnoea symptom severity over the course of the 3 days for both groups. Compared to the low- perceived control group, the high- perceived control group had significantly lower chest pain on day 3, fatigue on days 2 and 3, and dyspnoea on all days.

Conclusion: Patients with high levels of perceived control have lower levels of symptom severity than those with low perceived control. Interventions to improve perceived control among this population are highly recommended.