Investigating Associations Between Anxiety Sensitivity and Patient Outcomes in a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program: A One Health Approach
Abstract
Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is an exercise-based program, aimed at improving ones’ cardiovascular health. A substantial majority of patients referred to CR do not enroll, complete, or achieve clinical targets in the program due to patient-level factors. The objective of this thesis was to investigate relationships between anxiety sensitivity (AnxS) and patient outcomes in CR. Self-reported questionnaires were completed across two time points, with patient information being abstracted from medical records. Stakeholders associated with reducing the burden of AnxS in CR were also identified using snow-ball sampling. Findings suggest that resting diastolic blood pressure is associated with the interrelationships between AnxS, anxiety, and depression. A larger sample size is needed to establish concrete relationships between AnxS and patient outcomes in CR. This evidence may support the need to target AnxS for treatment. Stakeholders with high power and influence may also be beneficial in implementing changes to CR guidelines, if necessary.