The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between cardiac performance, as measured by heart rate and ectopy —premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and premature atrial contractions (PACs)—and unrestricted vs restricted visiting hours in the coronary care unit (CCU). This study builds on and extends the findings of researchers who have investigated the type of visiting (unrestricted or restricted) most beneficial to CCU patients.1,2 There is consensus regarding the need to continue investigation into the impact of visiting poli-cies on patient and family anxiety.3 Nurses need to identify the visiting practices most supportive to the health and well-being of patients and family mem-bers. Investigators have focused on ICU patients' responses to visits by assessing heart rate, blood pres-sure and the number of PVCs per minute.2,4 The find-ings consistently support permitting a family member to remain at the bedside to decrease patient anxiety and promote cardiovascular stability.
