Keywords
Physical activity
Psychological stress
Association
Younger
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Myocardial Infarction (MI) is a major cause of diseases and premature death. It is generally accepted that the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) is linked with defined risk factors, such as psychological illness and regular exercise. The aim of the study is to explore the association between psychological stress and physical activity in younger patients who are experiencing an acute myocardial infarction.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 212 MI patients under 60 years who had undergone cardiac catheterization was conducted at Liaquat University Hospital (LUH), Hyderabad. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered using a structured, multi-part questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. The Spearman's correlation test was applied and p < 0.05 was set as the significance level.
Results: Psychological stress was notably high, with 66% of participants experiencing significant stress, while only 16% reported low stress levels. Physical activity levels were predominantly low, with 70.3% of patients classified as having low activity, compared to 1.9% who were highly active. A statistically significant detrimental relationship between psychological stress and physical activity levels was identified (Pearson correlation = -0.486, p < 0.01). These results suggest that higher stress levels and lower physical activity were associated with acute MI.
Conclusion: The association between psychological stress and physical activity in younger adults of-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) significantly highlighted. Less physical activity and high stress level are also associated with each other where high stress appeared to be linked with low physical activity, thereby increasing risk of acute myocardial infarction. Further large-scale studies are recommended to explore mental health issues as a predisposing factor for acute myocardial infarction