Acute coronary syndrome (ACS; myocardial infarction (MI) or unstable angina (UA)) is one of the leading causes of mortality and health loss globally. ACS is a stressful and potentially life-threatening cardiovascular event, and many patients develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTSS) and cardiac anxiety post ACS, which have been shown to negatively affect patients' long-term cardiovascular prognosis.The aim of the proposed pilot study is to develop and evaluate a brief internet-delivered exposure-based CBT intervention provided early following ACS to reduce ACS-related PTSS, cardiac anxiety. and increase physical activity and quality of life. Patients with recent ACS (≥ 4 weeks to 6 months) and with elevated PTSS and anxiety will be eligible. After informed consent, patients will be randomized to internet-delivered CBT (N=15) or to a wait-list control group (N=15). The treatment is a 5 week, therapist-guided, internet-delivered intervention which includes imaginal exposure, interoceptive exposure, and exposure in-vivo. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediate post-treatment, and 2- and 6- months after treatment. The wait-list will be crossed over to CBT after completion of the 2 month follow-up.
The purpose of the present pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of a brief, internet-delivered CBT protocol provided early after acute coronary syndrome (ACS).