Living with Atrial Fibrillation: A Family Perspective

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to obtain insights from patients and their family members on how families are living with atrial fibrillation. Background. Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is often described as an emerging global epidemic affecting an estimated 33.5 million people worldwide. Living with atrial fibrillation not only affects the patient but also may negatively influence family members’ perceived health. The perspective of the family has previously been understudied, and more knowledge on how patients and their family members cope and adjust to life with atrial fibrillation may be helpful when developing future support for patients and their family members when coping with atrial fibrillation. Methods. A qualitative phenomenological study with an inductive, descriptive research approach based on Giorgi’s descriptive method was used. Data were gathered through 12 dyadic family interviews. The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research checklist was followed while conducting the study. Results. Three major themes emerged: emotional differences, changes in family life, and uncertainty about the future. Atrial fibrillation had multiple effects on the family. Frequently, several adjustments and adaptations had to be made to accommodate life with atrial fibrillation. Conclusion. Patients with atrial fibrillation and their family members feel a need to talk about their emotions and worries. They required support and guidance to manage the challenges of living with atrial fibrillation. These results will be used in a family-focused intervention designed to support families in adjusting and managing their everyday lives with atrial fibrillation.

Clinical outcomes of a short-term family-focused intervention for patients with atrial fibrillation–A randomised clinical trial

“…The family-focused intervention was given in addition to the conventional treatment and care provided for patients with AF. The intervention was delivered based on the theoretical framework of family nursing, the Calgary Models and the Illness Belief Model [26,30,31] and knowledge from patients' and family members' needs when a patient is being diagnosed with AF [13,14].…”

“…differed. They both catered to participants´information needs; however, the intervention group sessions were more focused on the family members´needs which were ascertained from interviews with family members, patients´and family members´narration of their experience when facing an AF diagnosis and the impact it has on their everyday life [13,14]. Furthermore, the group sessions in the intervention were consistently based on the questions and support needs of the participating patients and family members.…”

“…The arrhythmia can be associated with various symptoms including dyspnoea, chest pain and palpitations [11,12], which affect patients and family members in various ways e.g. fear of what future will bring living with AF, fear of AF attacks and potentially fatal complications such as stroke [13,14].…”

Machine Learning Approaches to Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Atrial Fibrillation

“…Despite being the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, the early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) remain challenging. AF affects millions of individuals globally and is linked to a heightened risk of stroke, heart failure, and mortality [1][2][3][4]. These medical conditions collectively fall under the term Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) and are subject to extensive research [5].…”