Modeling of cardiac function of patients with acute myocardial infarction based on Type-D personality: Mediating role of negative emotions

Context: Cardiac function of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) plays a central role in their prognosis.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to model the cardiac function of these patients based on Type-D personality and the mediating role of negative emotions (anger, depression, and anxiety) in this relationship.

Setting and Design: This correlational study was performed using the structural equation modeling method, and specifically the regression equations (combination of path analysis and second-order factor analysis).

Material and Methods: The study population was the patients with acute ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) who were hospitalized at Mazandaran Cardiovascular Hospital and underwent under primary percutaneous coronary intervention treatment in 2017 and 2018. Using Mueller’s formula modeling formula (1996) based on a sample size-to-free parameter ratio, the sample size was calculated to 220 patients were chosen by the purposive method. Data were collected using Denollet’sType-DScale-14, the Spielberger’s state-trait anxiety inventory, short-form of the beck depression inventory-13, and Spielberger’s state-trait anger expression inventory-2.

Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was performed using SPSS-18 and AMOS 23. Results: Type-D personality can directly predict of the cardiac function of patients with acute STEMI. This variable also predicts the the cardiac function of these patients via the mediation of negative emotions (anger, depression, and anxiety).

Conclusion: Type-D personality affects the incidence and prognosis of myocardial infarction via negative emotions. It is, therefore, recommended to screen the susceptible populations for this personality type.