Effect of Guided Imagery on Anxiety and Vital Signs in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Electrophysiological Study

Many patients undergoing aggressive medical interventions, such as cardiac electrophysiology studies, experience anxiety on the operation day, which can affect patients' psychological and physiological issues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of guided imagery on anxiety and vital signs in patients undergoing cardiac electrophysiology studies.

This study was performed as a double blind randomized clinical trial study. The statistical population included 52 patients who were candidates for cardiac electrophysiology study in Rasht. They were divided into two groups of intervention (n=26) and control (n=26) through simple randomization. Before and after the intervention, the Spiel Berger state anxiety inventory questionnaire was completed and their vital signs were recorded. For the intervention group, one day before and one hour before the electrophysiology studies, a guided audio visualization CD was delivered through headphones for 18 minutes.

The results showed that there were no significant differences between the two groups in mean blood pressure score, respiratory rate, body temperature, and heart rate before and after the intervention (p >0.05). The severity of hidden anxiety score was significantly different between the two groups after the intervention.  No meaningful difference was observed between the two groups in regards to the other variables such as obvious anxiety score before and after intervention and the hidden anxiety score before intervention(p >0.05).

Guided visualization was effective in controlling both open and hidden anxiety in patients undergoing the electrophysiology studies but had no effect on patient's vital signs.