Internationale Zeitschrift für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung

Experiences of Acute Myocardial Infarction Survivors: A Qualitative Research

Puneet Kaur1*, D K Seth2 and Shukhpal Kaur3

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are among one the leading causes of death worldwide. The advancements in technology have improved survival rates in acute myocardial infarction patients. Survivors of acute myocardial infarction patients have to face many challenges to adapt to new situations. In-depth understanding of their lived experiences is pivotal for designing tailored made educational programme for their prevention and rehabilitation. There are limited researches available and inadequate attention has been paid to this issue. Therefore, this paper will evaluate personal lived experiences and perspectives of acute myocardial infarction survivors. Methods: Qualitative Literature Review from DELNET, MEDLINE, CINHAL and EBESCO electronic databases. Eighteen articles, 2002-2018, met the inclusion criteria. To identify themes constant comparative method was used. e identified: knowledge of causes (risk factors) of the disease, responses leaded by the event, adopting lifestyle changes, family and social support, future concerns and insecurities and expression of needs. Many survivors did not have adequate knowledge pertaining to causes and risk factors, warning signs and symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. Participants found changing one’s lifestyle is difficult and require constant support from family and health care providers. Conclusion: Community awareness campaigns are required to be increased by health care providers. Patients should be educated about the risk factors, signs, symptoms and appropriate changes in lifestyle during their routine checkup visits. Acute myocardial survivors need time-sensitive education especially during and after their hospitalization. Patients need constant support from family and health care providers to combat challenges during their recovery process. Health care providers can utilize this information to develop teaching programmes and to assist in care of acute myocardial infarction survivors.