Symptom reflections of women with cardiac disease and advanced practice nurses: a descriptive study.
The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the experiences of women with cardiac disease in regard to cardiac risk factors, symptoms, and symptom interpretation. Interviews with a convenience sample of 21 African American and Caucasian female patients, aged 40-81 years with cardiac diagnoses, were taped and transcribed. Three advanced practice nurses with experience in cardiovascular nursing were interviewed individually for background. Analyses of symptoms indicated that women experienced a range of prodromal symptoms other than chest pain prior to hospitalization such as: edema, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dry cough, and exhaustion. Atypical symptoms delayed recognition of a cardiac problem for some women. The lack of symptom consistency underscores the need for thorough assessment and screening of women at risk for cardiac problems. Advanced practice nurses are aware of current cardiac disease research in women but they must continue to be vigilant for atypical symptoms.
School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1921 East Hartford Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA.
Christine L
CL
Miller
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*; D016387:Women's Health