Managing Uncertainty in Couples Living With Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation affects the partner relationship by bringing uncertainty into couples' daily lives. Even though this study shares similarities with previous studies on couples living with chronic disease, it contributes to the existing knowledge by presenting a set of strategies used by couples in managing uncertainty when living with AF.

The heart is a representation of life: an exploration of illness beliefs in couples living with atrial fibrillation

“…, Dalteg et al . ) that may challenge the boundaries of a couple's relationship (Rolland ). As such, beliefs regarding an illness such as AF may cause more distress to the couple than the actual disease (Wright & Bell ).…”

“…Beliefs regarding illness have previously been described as an important factor in managing illness (Wright & Bell 2009, MacInnes 2014, and also as significant in terms of adherence to prescribed regimes (Ekman et al 2006). Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia (Camm et al 2012) that has implications for both the patient and the partner (Bohnen et al 2011, Dalteg et al 2014) that may challenge the boundaries of a couple's relationship (Rolland 1994). As such, beliefs regarding an illness such as AF may cause more distress to the couple than the actual disease (Wright & Bell 2009).…”

Patients’ experiences 1–6 months after atrial fibrillation ablation: An holistic perspective

“…| 151 describe that living with AF not only affect the sufferers but also affects the well-being of the partner or close relatives (Bohnen et al, 2011;Dalteg, Benzein, Sandgren, Fridlund, & Malm, 2014;Ekblad, Malm, Fridlund, Conlon, & Rönning, 2014). Social coping support can also be lacking (McCabe, Schumacher, et al, 2011).…”

“…The experience of AF in the sociocultural dimension can manifest as disruptions in ongoing close relationships. Patients and their close relatives and friends describe that living with AF not only affect the sufferers but also affects the well‐being of the partner or close relatives (Bohnen et al., ; Dalteg, Benzein, Sandgren, Fridlund, & Malm, ; Ekblad, Malm, Fridlund, Conlon, & Rönning, ). Social coping support can also be lacking (McCabe, Schumacher, et al., ).…”

Profile of atrial fibrillation inpatients: Cardiovascular risk factors and cardiac rehabilitation programme delivery and referral patterns

“…AF also has a substantial impact on patients' lives through symptoms, which include dizziness, dyspnoea, chest pain and reduced exercise capacity and leads to decreases in exercise participation, functional capacity and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) . Patients also report emotional distress related to the unpredictability of AF paroxysms and the physical limitations that AF causes . These effects can be even more pronounced in older people and require appropriate self‐management.…”