Trajectory of Positive Psychological States in Patients With ACS

Trajectory of Positive Psychological States in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

The purpose of the study is to to determine the natural history of positive psychological states, health status, and functioning, over an 8 week period following admission for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aim to compare the changes in these factors from baseline to 8-week follow-up with corresponding changes in the completed proof-of-concept intervention trial (NCT02004158).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Suboptimal adherence to health behaviors. This will be defined as mean item score of <15 (suboptimal) on three Medical Outcomes Study-Specific Adherence Scale (MOS SAS) items.
• Submaximal self-reported optimism. This will be defined as a total score of <30 on the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) .
• Submaximal self-reported positive affect. This will be defined as a total score of <50 on the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) .

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive deficits, assessed via a 6-item cognitive screen used to assess appropriate participation of medically-ill patients in research studies.
• Medical conditions precluding interviews or likely to lead to death within 6 months, determined in consultation with the primary treatment team and cardiology co-investigator Dr. Januzzi.
• Inability to communicate in English.
• Inability to participate in physical activity.