The Experiences and Adjustments of Women Following Their First Acute Myocardial Infarction
Linda Worrall-Carter
Senior Research Fellow, Deakin University; Box Hill Hospital, Burwood VIC
Tamsin Jones
Staff Nurse, Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill VIC
Andrea Driscoll
School of Nursing, Deakin University, Burwood VIC
PP: 211
Abstract
Very little is known about cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women and their specific needs throughout their recovery process.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences and adjustments of women following their first AMI.
Methods: Naturalistic inquiry was used and six women were interviewed post their first AMI.
Results: Two major themes were identified: (1) 'the initial experience/event' which identifies events and emotions leading up to, and during, the hospital admission; and (2) 'support: for who and how' exploring the importance of support throughout the recovery process.
Conclusion: The women in this study did not see themselves at risk of an AMI regardless of their lifestyles and when it did occur they adopted a variety of coping mechanisms in order to adjust to their trauma. The findings highlight the need for an increase in community awareness and education surrounding the risk factors of heart disease and its signs and symptoms, to minimize delayed hospital presentations.
Keywords
education, lifestyle modification, myocardial infarction, naturalistic inquiry, women
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