Atypical nature of coronary artery disease in women: a proposal for measurement and classification

Abstract

<p><strong>Objective:</strong> To identify subgroups of women with Acute Coronary Syndrome according to symptom experience: perception, evaluation and response, based on the Symptom Management Conceptual Model.</p><p><strong>Methodology:</strong> Quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study. The sample was made of 380 women positively diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome, hospitalized in two institutions in Bogotá, Colombia. A measurement instrument was designed and validated.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Final instrument was made of 37 items that reported content validity, scale validity, discriminant validity, and construct validity. A Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0,76 was obtained, which guarantees homogeneity in the measurement<br />according to the Maximum Validity-Maximum Reliability Model.<br />A total of 11 subgroups of women with Acute Coronary Syndrome were identified, those were characterized by atypical coronary heart disease symptomatology, evaluation processes<br />related to extra-cardiac causes and inadequate symptom management strategies. It was possible to demonstrate that psychosocial factors, previous coronary heart disease and delays were variables making a significant influence on the components of symptom experience.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Women with Acute Coronary Syndrome, belonging to the 11 subgroups that were identified<br />and studied, showed atypical symptoms. The instrument designed features a proven psychometric quality; it was valid, reliable, and useful for clinical research and practice.</p>

Infarto agudo de miocardio posterior aislado: el responsable de cambios sutiles en el electrocardiograma

“…These symptoms could delay the management and timely treatments, leading to a higher rate of complications. In this way, one of the purposes of share this clinical case is to enhance a promptly identification of acute cardiovascular symptoms in women and recognized and known subtle electrocardiographic changes that could compromise the life of our patients 17 .…”