The relationship between religiosity and ischemic heart disease: A case-control study.

Abstract

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is estimated to cause more than 9 million deaths worldwide yearly. Some risk factors for IDH may be associated with religiosity/spirituality.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between religiosity/spirituality and ischemic heart disease.

Material and methods: A total of 333 participants were enrolled in the study (age 40-85). The study group included participants who had been diagnosed with IHD, while the control group had not been diagnosed with IHD. We used validated Polish version of the Duke University Religion Index, the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, and Beck's Depression Inventory. The study data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: In this study, we show that attendance at religious meetings (several times a month) and private religious practices (several times a month) are associated with a decreased prevalence of ischemic heart disease. Depression, physical activity, and not taking cholesterol-lowering and antihypertensive medication were associated with an increased prevalence of IHD. However, no association was shown between experiencing the presence of the Divine or religious beliefs and IHD.

Conclusions: The use of some aspects of religiosity/spirituality as a tool to complement treatment could also provide cheap, non-pharmacological support for patient care enhancing their quality of life.