Abstract
Objective: To explore patients' experience of recovery after a Spontaneous coronary artery dissection myocardial infarction (SCAD MI), in order for health professionals to be better able to support them in their recovery.
Background: An MI caused by SCAD is less common than an MI caused by an atherosclerotic plaque rupture, and mostly occurs in younger people, predominantly female, with no risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). Unlike MI caused by atherosclerosis, optimal treatment and long- term treatment is not well-established. This, combined with the relatively high risk of recurrence, leads to a great deal of fear and uncertainty for patients. To date there has been no research in New Zealand into the experience of recovery after a SCAD MI and very few qualitative studies internationally.
Design: A qualitative descriptive design using open-ended individual interviews.
Methods: Eleven participants who had experienced a SCAD MI in the eighteen months preceding the study participated in individual interviews with a single researcher, face to face or via telephone. The recorded interviews were then transcribed and thematic analysis was undertaken to identify themes from the data.
Results: Three main themes identified from data analysis: understanding the reality, navigating the reality and adjusting to the reality. The first theme of understanding the reality, then determined how the participants navigated the reality and adjusted to life after this event. The participants managed the uncertainties they encountered by drawing on their own resources, and with the help of loved ones, peers and health professionals.
Conclusion: This study provides some insight into the psychosocial aspects of recovery from a SCAD MI and indicates that while more research needs to be done into the cause and best treatment options for SCAD, there also needs to be further research into interventions to promote psychosocial recovery.