title: Diagnosed and living with fibromuscular dysplasia: A qualitative inquiry.
abstract: Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a vascular disorder about which little has been known until recently. Patients with FMD may suffer from hypertension, aneurysms, or strokes, as well as symptoms associated with local artery damage. As a result of advances in vascular medicine and growing outcomes registries, we now have a better understanding of the FMD disease process and epidemiology. Nevertheless, the consequences of FMD on patients' day-to-day experiences and mental health status are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to begin to identify and characterize the experiences of living with FMD from the perspective of the patient using qualitative inquiry. Interviews with 19 FMD patients (18 female, 1 male) were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and content analyzed. Individuals with FMD reported a complex array of psychological, physical, emotional, social, and health care concerns, which may be underdiagnosed. Findings suggest new opportunities for enhancing patient care.
authors.affiliation: Eastern Michigan University, School of Nursing, Ypsilanti, MI, USA sherry.bumpus@emich.edu.
authors.forename: Sherry M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Bumpus
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan Health System, Department of Internal Medicine - Cardiology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Christa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kuck
authors.affiliation: University of Michigan Health System, Department of Internal Medicine - Cardiology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Steven T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Heidt
authors.affiliation: Eastern Michigan University, School of Health Sciences, Ypsilanti, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Minnie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bluhm
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000368:Aged; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005352:Fibromuscular Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012919:Social Behavior
keywords: fibromuscular dysplasia; mental health; qualitative research; quality of life; vascular diseases