Comparison of Sleep Quality, Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Obstructive and Non-Obstructive Myocardial Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Original Quantitative and Qualitative Research Paper

Authors

1 1. Professor of Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor of Biostatistics, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.

3 MSc of Nursing, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

4 Assistant Professor of Nuclear Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.

5 Ph.D of Psychology, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.

6 MSc of Psychology, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

7 Professional Doctorate, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

10.22038/ebcj.2026.86991.3112

Abstract

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a major global health concern and is traditionally associated with obstructive coronary artery disease. However, non-obstructive MI (MINOCA) is also significant. MI patients often face anxiety, depression, and sleep problems, impacting recovery. This study compares sleep quality, anxiety, and depression in obstructive MI vs. MINOCA patients, to understand their different psychological and sleep challenges.
Aim: This study aimed to compare sleep quality, and psychological symptoms in the patients with obstructive and non-obstructive myocardial infarction.
Method: In this cross sectional study, 282 obstructive and non-obstructive myocardial infarction (n=141 in each group) patients who were referred to Dr. Heshmat Hospital in Rasht in 2023 were studied. Demographic data checklist and standard sleep quality questionnaire, patient health questionnaire, and general anxiety disorder were used.
Results: After adjustment for confounding variables, no statistically significant differences were observed between obstructive and non-obstructive myocardial infarction patients regarding sleep quality, depressive symptoms, or anxiety levels. However, female patients reported significantly higher levels of poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety compared with males. In addition, rural residence was associated with higher depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that psychological and sleep-related challenges are common among MI patients regardless of coronary obstruction status.
Implications for practice: Incorporating regular assessment and management of sleep and psychological symptoms into the routine care of MI patients can lead to better clinical outcomes and quality of life. These findings support the integration of psychosocial and behavioral health into cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up programs.

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