Effect of stress management on angina

Four hundred and fifty two male angina patients were randomised to receive stress management or no psychological intervention. Instruction in stress management was given in three group sessions each of about one hour. Patients were also asked to practice relaxation and read a course 'manual' at home. After six months the group instructed in stress management showed a reduction in the frequency of non-exertional chest pain (as measured by a 14 day diary) compared to the non-intervention group. Analysis of covariance showed a benefit of stress management irrespective of angina frequency at recruitment. Further analysis of covariance showed reduction in the frequency of non-exertional chest pain to be associated with increased ability to relax. This study has demonstrated that stress management can be effective in reducing the frequency on non-exertional chest pain, and that a possible mechanism for this lies in the practice of relaxation.