The epidemiology of a coronary waiting list. A description of all of the patients.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the characteristics and the severity of symptoms amongst patients on the waiting list for possible coronary revascularization.


METHODS
All the patients were sent a postal questionnaire for symptom evaluation.


METHODS
All hospitals in western Sweden.


METHODS
All patients in western Sweden on the waiting list in September 1990, who had been referred for coronary angiography or revascularization (n = 904) and a sex- and age-matched reference group (n = 809).


RESULTS
More than half of the patients had daily attacks of chest pain, whereas 16% reported less than one attack per week or no pain at all. However, other symptoms such as dyspnoea, tachycardia and nervous reactions were also common and 25% of all patients used sedatives. A long waiting time for a given procedure was not associated with more pain but with more nervous symptoms such as restlessness and insomnia (P < 0.0001) and greater use of sedatives and cigarettes (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that a long waiting time for possible coronary revascularization is associated with more nervous symptoms but not with more pain.
Bengtson
A
A
Division of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Herlitz
J
J
Karlsson
T
T
Hjalmarson
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000209:etiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009204:Myocardial Revascularization; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014850:Waiting Lists