Predicting patient expectations about survival following cardiac events

Objectives: To assess modifiable cognitive and behavioral factors following cardiac events and their association to patients' 3-month survival expectations. Methods: Patients (N = 233, 71% male; mean age 68years) hospitalized following cardiac events completed study packets assessing mood, behavior change, health behavior domains, and medical recommendation adherence at hospital discharge and 3 months later. Results: In univariate analyses, baseline depression, health distress, behavior change, and adherence were associated with positive expectations at follow-up. Multivariate regression analysis found (Adj. R²=0.43) baseline expectations and adherence were significant predictors of expectations for recovery and survival at follow-up (p < .01). Conclusion: Patients' perception of adherence following a cardiac event is a potent predictor of later expectations.