Excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Objective: To characterize daytime sleepiness in patients with acute myocardial infarction and identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with excessive daytime sleepiness in these patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 113 patients (mean age of 59.7 years; 70.8% male), in which were used an instrument for the sociodemographic and clinical characterization, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results: Excessive daytime sleepiness was identified in 33 patients (29.2%). Those with a body mass index above 30 kg/m(2) and those who progressed to clinical worsening obtained a higher score in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, compared to those with a body mass index less than 30 kg/m(2) and clinical improvement. The patients aged 60 years or more, those separated, and with body mass index greater than 30 kg/m(2) were more likely to mention excessive daytime sleepiness. Conclusion: Identifying individuals with excessive daytime sleepiness should be part of the routine work of nurses for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.