ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the prior coronary angiography (CAG) psychological status in chest pain patients with and without coronary artery disease (CAD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-nine patients with chest pain and scheduled for CAG were selected by cluster sampling method. The mental status was measured by Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HAMD-17) 24 hours before CAG, and the risk factors for CAD were also determined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>There were 43 patients with HAMA score > or = 14, 18 patients with HAMD-17 score > or = 14 and 16 patients with both scores > or = 14. CAD was diagnosed in 46 patients by CAG. HAMA score was significantly higher in patients without CAD than patients with CAD (14.1 +/- 7.1 vs. 11.1 +/- 6.7, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Incidences of anxiety and depression were high in chest pain patients prior CAG and incidence of anxiety prior CAG was significantly higher in chest pain patients without CAD compared to chest pain patients with CAD.</p>