Psychological differences between young male and female survivors of myocardial infarction

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate psychological differences between young male and female survivors of acute myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: 35 male (mean age 37.3) and 29 female (mean age 38.6) patients with first MI made the study group. Type A behavior, anxiety, alexithymia construct and vital exhaustion were assessed by self-reported questionnaires. Results: The results indicate that females suffer considerably more frequently from fatigue and exhaustion in the prodromal period of MI. Women develop a higher level of cognitive-worry, subscale score of anxiety; they are more irritable and less able to relax. Conclusions: These gender-related differences in psychological status should be taken into consideration for the optimal psychosocial rehabilitation of young patients with first acute MI.