There is a lack of data about the information preferences of patients and their partners after a myocardial infarction.

This paper explores anxiety, depression, coping and the desire to be actively involved in care in relation to age, gender and education level in myocardial infarction patients and partners.

One hundred and twenty-eight patients and their partners answered the Swedish version of the Krantz Health Opinion Survey, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Mastery Scale one year after the patient’s myocardial infarction.

More active roles in decision-making during care were desired by females, younger patients and partners, and patients and partners with higher education levels. Female partners reported more anxiety than male partners, and female patients reported more depression than male patients. No differences between groups were detected in coping; overall coping was rated high.

Secondary prevention should consist of person-centred support to both the patients and their partners, since factors such as age, gender and education level can influence information preferences during patient care.