Study of psychosocial factors and endothelial dysfunction in coronary heart disease patients.

Objective: To provide valuable insight into the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease, this study aimed to explore the association between psychosocial elements and endothelial dysfunction in diagnosed patients.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, we selected patients with coronary heart disease who visited the cardiology department of our hospital from January to December 2021. According to coronary angiography results, patients were divided into the coronary stenosis group (≥50%) and the normal coronary group (<50%), with 100 cases in each group. We assessed the levels of psychosocial factors using the Type A Behaviour Pattern Scale (TABP), Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Endothelial synthesis of nitric oxide (NOx) and endothelium-dependent (EDF) and endothelium-independent (NEDF) vasodilation functions were measured and compared using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and colour Doppler ultrasonography, respectively.

Results: Patients in the coronary stenosis group had significantly higher scores in Type A behaviour, anxiety, and depression and significantly lower scores in social support compared with the normal coronary group (t = 3.21, 4.15, 3.87; p < 0.05; t = -2.96; p < 0.05). EDF, NEDF, and NOx levels were significantly lower in the coronary stenosis group than in the normal coronary group (t = -4.32, -3.76, -4.67; p < 0.05). Psychosocial factors were negatively correlated with endothelial function indices (r = -0.31 to -0.48; p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that Type A behavioural anxiety, depression, and social support were independent risk factors influencing endothelial dysfunction (β = -0.23, -0.26, -0.21, -0.19; p < 0.05).

Conclusion: A close relationship was observed between psychosocial factors and endothelial dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease. Assessment and intervention of psychosocial factors in these patients should be strengthened to improve endothelial function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.