title: Illness perceptions, mood and quality of life: a systematic review of coronary heart disease patients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine published literature investigating the relationship between illness perceptions, mood and quality of life (QoL) in coronary heart disease (CHD) populations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Key databases were systematically searched (CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science) for studies matching the inclusion criteria between November 2011 and February 2012. References of included studies were examined and key authors contacted. Studies were subject to a quality control check.
  
  
  RESULTS
  21 studies met the inclusion criteria. A synthesis of the results found that illness perceptions were correlated to and predicted QoL and mood across CHD diagnoses. Specific illness perceptions (control, coherence and timeline) were found to be important for patients that had experienced an unexpected medical event, such as myocardial infarction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study provide support that illness perceptions are related to outcomes across CHD populations and disease progression, however the results do not selectively support one particular model. Recommendations are consistent with cardiac rehabilitation guidelines. Further research should focus on the systemic impact of illness perceptions.
authors: Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Hull, UK. rfoxwell87@gmail.com
authors: Rachel
authors: R
authors: Foxwell
authors: Chris
authors: C
authors: Morley
authors: Dorothy
authors: D
authors: Frizelle
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D010465:Perception; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Anxiety; Coronary heart disease; Depression; Illness perceptions; Quality of life