Participants needed for coronary heart disease study

People diagnosed with angina are needed for a study being undertaken by The University of Queensland’s School of Psychology.

The study will examine some of the possible physiological links between emotions and angina (a form of coronary heart disease).

“Research has shown that there is a relationship between certain emotions such as stress, anger and depression and the onset and outcome of coronary heart disease,” said Associate Professor Justin Kenardy.

Dr Kenardy said the study would specifically examine the relationship between various emotions and changes in blood pressure and heart rate while angina patients engage in simple mental activities.

Participants will have their blood pressure and heart rate measured while resting and while completing four mental activities that last five minutes each.

This can be done either in their own home, or if they prefer, in a different location.

Participants must have had angina for at least one month, be under 75 years old and can not have had a heart attack, bypass surgery or angioplasty in the past three months.

They should also not have congestive heart failure, a pacemaker, arrhythmia, unstable diabetes or renal failure.

People interested in participating in the study should contact Esben Strodl on 07 3365 6842 or email esben@psy.uq.edu.au

Media: For further information, contact Esben Strodl (telephone 07 3365 6842, email esben@psy.uq.edu.au or Joanne van Zeeland at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2619).