Living with experiences following a myocardial infarction.
Coronary heart disease is a major cause of sudden death and morbidity in the developed world, as well as a cause of great suffering. Research within this area has primarily focused symptoms, risk factors and treatment. The aim of this paper was to explore women's experiences following a myocardial infarction (MI). Eight women were interviewed; the interviews were audiotaped and transcribed into text and analysed using a phenomenological approach. To explore the meaning that is experienced in the lived world of the patient a method of reflective lifeworld research, based upon phenomenological epistemology has been used. The results indicate that the body is vital for the women in their lifeworlds. After a MI the patient's natural and unreflective relationship with the body and the lived world is interrupted. Uncertainty about life and death as well as the body is experienced as a suffering in the women's lifeworlds. In relation to this, the women's existence is characterised by an uncertainty and a loss of context. It is through reconciliation with their bodies and their illnesses that the women can achieve a sense of well-being and harmony in life. In that process the women can re-establish a natural relationship with their bodies and lifeworlds.
Johansson
Annelie
A
Department of Cardiology, KSS Skövde, Sweden. annelie.l.johansson@vgregion.se
Dahlberg
Karin
K
Ekebergh
Margaretha
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001293:Attitude to Death; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D005086:Existentialism / Q000523:psychology; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D009341:Negativism; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012803:Sick Role; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D035501:Uncertainty; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology*