Measuring the Level of Death Anxiety and Death Depression among the Patients Undergoing Coronary Angioplasty

Background: Coronary angioplasty is a life-saving cardiac intervention that often triggers existential concerns about mortality. Death anxiety and death depression represent distinct but related psychological constructs that may significantly impact patient outcomes and quality of life during cardiac procedures. Objective: This study aimed to assess the levels of death anxiety and death depression among patients undergoing coronary angioplasty and examine their relationship with demographic and clinical variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 284 patients scheduled for coronary angioplasty at a tertiary cardiac center. Participants completed the Death Anxiety Scale (DAS), Death Depression Scale-Revised (DDS-R), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and a demographic questionnaire. Data were collected 24-48 hours before the procedure. Results: Mean death anxiety scores were significantly elevated (M = 8.94, SD = 3.67) compared to normative data. Death depression scores showed moderate levels (M = 6.23, SD = 2.84). Significant positive correlations were found between death anxiety and death depression (r = .643, p < .001). Female patients, younger participants, and those with previous cardiac events showed higher levels of both constructs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that gender, age, previous cardiac history, and general anxiety were significant predictors of death anxiety (R² = .387). Conclusions: Patients undergoing coronary angioplasty experience elevated levels of death anxiety and death depression. These findings highlight the need for targeted psychological interventions addressing mortality-related concerns in cardiac patients. Healthcare providers should routinely assess and address existential distress to optimize patient outcomes and psychological well-being.