Comparing of Efficacy of Different Self-Assessment Anxiety Scales for Predicting Radial Artery Spasm During Coronary Interventions

ABS TRACT Objective: Radial artery spasm (RAS), is a major drawback for the routine use of radial access during coronary interventions and anxiety is a well-documented predictor of RAS. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between RAS and level of anxiety (LOA) which was quantified with different scales. Material and Methods: 123 consecutive patients scheduled for elective coronary angiography were enrolled. Demographic and procedural relevant features were noted, and then, patients were asked to fill three anxiety scales; Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (SSAI) and Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Clinical RAS was accepted to exist if 2 or more of predefined clinical features had been met. Results: RAS was observed in 20 patients (16.3%). In the RAS (+) group, the frequency of female gender, low body mass index, total procedure time, and procedures carried out with more than one puncture attempts were significantly higher, whereas smokers were less. BAI and SSAI scores of RAS (+) group were significantly higher. According to the pre-defined cut-off values of all abovementioned scales, only SSAI based comparison revealed the higher frequency of patients with considerable LOA in RAS(+) group (%, 45 vs 75, p=0.013). When regression analyses were performed, total procedure time (HR: 2.96, 95% CI=0.96-9.11; p=0.032) and having an SSAI score over 40 (HR: 2.49, 95% CI=1.09–5.71; p=0.024) were designated as independent predictors of RAS. Conclusion:Anxiety is a considerable risk factor for RAS occurrence but the testing method of LOA also matters. Regarding our results, SSAI was an accurate one for anticipating RAS.