Illness Perceptions in Patients with Premature Coronary Artery Disease: A Sex-Based Analysis 8 Years After the Diagnosis

To assess illness perceptions in patients with premature atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD), 717 adults with premature CAD (diagnosis of CAD in men age<45years and women age<55years) completed sociodemographic indices, the Beck's Depression Inventory-II, Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Brief Illness Perceptions 8years after the diagnosis. Mean age was 49.59 +/- 3.57years for men and 57.72 +/- 4.90years for women at the time of study. Both sexes were treated through coronary artery bypass graft surgery, percutaneous coronary intervention, or medical treatment. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were significantly more prevalent among women. Generally, the patients believed that their disease was chronic and well controlled and that it had no considerable negative impact on their routine life. Overall, patients had a low concern about their illness. Women had a more negative perception of their disease than did men which may indicate their need for higher psychological support.