Emotional distress among males with syndrome X

The present study examined traditional risk factors and various indices of emotional distress in males with positive angiograms (N=122), “syndrome X” males with negative or nominal results on angiogram (N=53), and age-and socioeconomic status-matched males with no manifest history of atherosclerotic disease (N=56). Syndrome X patients reported more depression on the Ketterer Stress Symptom Frequency Checklist (KSSFC) than positive angiographic patients. And compared with healthy controls, they were more likely to be perceived by a spouse/friend as depressed and anxious on the KSSFC, scored higher on the Framingham Type A Scale, and reported more unprovoked nocturnal awakening. Syndrome X patients generally appear to be similar to patients with positive angiograms with regard to traditional risk factor history but are more distressed than healthy controls. This becomes most evident when denial is circumvented by discussion with significant others or inquiries are “framed” appropriately.