Psychological factors, blood lipids and the severity of coronary heart disease: a structural equation modeling approach

One of the most important factors in mortality in the world is coronary heart disease. This disease also has several risk factors, one of these is psychological factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of psychological factors in coronary heart disease which was mediated by blood lipids. For this purpose, in a descriptive study, 343 women and men who referred to Tehran Heart Center and Fajr hospital were selected from available samples. They were then tested in terms of depression, anxiety, stress, perceived support, anger expression, aggression, personality type, blood lipid levels. The severity of coronary artery disease was measured by coronary angiography. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that blood lipid meditated the relationship between psychological factors and coronary heart disease. Psychological factors have an effect on the severity of coronary heart disease and part of the influence is exerted by blood lipids. Hence, it is suggested that it should be paid attention to psychological factors and blood lipids of coronary heart disease in prevention and treatment programs.