INCIDENCE OF ANXIETY IN PATIENTS AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the incidence and progression of anxiety symptoms in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. It is an observational, descriptive, and quantitative study with a longitudinal design, conducted at Hospital São Lucas, in Cascavel (PR), between January and April 2025. The sample consisted of 50 adult patients evaluated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), applied preoperatively and 30 days after surgery. Data were statistically analyzed with a 5% significance level. A significant reduction was observed in symptoms such as palpitations (p = 0.0030), inability to relax (p = 0.0216), and fear that something bad might happen (p = 0.0517). It is concluded that anxiety tends to decrease after surgery, indicating that physical recovery and returning to the home environment contribute to emotional well-being. Nevertheless, some patients maintained mild symptoms, highlighting the importance of continuous psychological follow-up during postoperative recovery.