The effects of guided imagery on patient's anxiety undergoing cardiac catheterization

Background and Cardiac catheterization is one of the most common diagnostic and therapeutic methods of cardiovascular diseases. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of guided imagery on patients’ anxiety awaiting cardiac catheterization. This interventional study (randomized trial) was carried out on 62 patients undergoing coronary angiography for the first time in vasey hospital of Sabzevar in 2013.. In the case group، guided Imagery method (a method of relaxation) was performed Information was collected via a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)، and an anxiety standard questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SAS 9. 1 and SPSS 16 statistical softwares. The average age of participants in this study was 57. 06 ±8. 9 years. 25 participants (40. 32%) were female and 37 (59. 67%) were male. in the case group، mean score of State-Trait Anxiety decreased significantly in comparison to the control one after the intervention. (p<0. 001). The average score of anxiety in the control group before angiography had increased. Moreover، there was no significant correlation between anxiety and demographic variables like age and sex. Guided imagery and relaxation impress patients’ anxiety undergoing first-time coronary angiography. Therefore، there is recommended to use this method before cardiac catheterization performance.