Understanding and reducing stress and psychological distress in older women with heart disease

Stress and psychological distress were assessed in 457 older women who were subsequently randomized to a six-week heart disease management program (Women take PRIDE) or to a usual care control group. Baseline distress was significantly associated with age, symptoms, physical functioning, social support, optimism, and self-esteem (p <.05). Only 20% of women reported their physician had recommended reducing stress. At four months follow-Lip, intervention women compared to controls were significantly more likely to report reductions in stress levels (p = 0.02) and also showed improvement in emotional behavior (p = 0.09). (C) 2004 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.