The effect of stress and hemodynamic indices of patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit

Introduction: Hospitalization in the cardiac care unit (CCU) is a stressful event that can adversely affect the patient's recovery process. Another factor that may be affected by stress is hemodynamic indices. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of stress on hemodynamic indices in patients admitted to the CCU. Materials and Methods: The present study is a descriptive correlational study in which the research population consisted of patients admitted to the CCU of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran in the second half of 1400. 210 patients were selected by Convenience Sampling and based on inclusion criteria. Patients' demographic questionnaires and DASS-21 were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software.  Results: The mean age of patients was 53.85 ±13.89 years. 65.3% of patients were male, 91.3% were married and 48% had undergraduate education. The mean stress of patients was 22.81 ±9.57 in the moderate range. 14.76% had normal stress, 27.61% had mild stress, 39.04% had moderate stress, 13.80% had severe stress and 4.79% had very severe stress. Correlation between patients' stress with hemodynamic indicators such as systolic blood pressure (P <0.001, r = 0.726), mean arterial pressure (P <0.001, r = 0.435), heart rate (P <0.001, 311) R = 0) and respiratory rate (P = 0.002, r = 0.255) were significant, so that with increasing stress, all these indicators increased. Conclusion: The stress level of patients admitted to CCU was moderate, but according to the effects on the recovery process and hemodynamic indicators should be managed, it is recommended that nurses working in CCU in their examination to psychological complications and consequently it should pay attention to hemodynamic indicators.