Myocardial infarction: survivors’ and spouses’ stress, coping, and support

Abstract

Despite evidence that spouses play an important role in the recovery of MI survivors, there have been few studies of pertinent psychosocial factors from the perspectives of both survivors and spouses. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to describe stress, coping strategies and social support experienced by survivors and spouses. This study was limited to first-time MI to focus on a time of uncertainty and transition. Twenty-eight persons (14 couples) participated. Both survivors and their spouses reported similar post-MI stresses: emotional impact, lifestyle changes, encounters with health professionals, and their partners' reactions. Spouses and survivors used diverse strategies to cope with the stresses of MI. Seeking informational support was prevalent. Both spouses and survivors engaged in 'protective buffering' of their partners. Couples described deficient support, conflict and miscarried helping efforts within their relationships. Spouses and survivors referred to inadequate informational support from health professionals.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Staff Views about Discussing Sexual Issues with Coronary Heart Disease Patients: A National Survey in Ireland

“…This research also suggests that nurses do not routinely inquire about patients sexuality and provide little teaching and guidelines for individuals resuming sexual activity following a cardiac event [13,[17][18][19][20][21][22]. When patients' views were sought, they reported that they would like service providers to take their full sexual history and that they would be comfortable with these discussions [23].…”

Information from health care professionals about sexual function and coexistence after myocardial infarction: A Swedish national survey

“…When MI patients engage in the physical exertion associated with sexual activity, they fear precipitating a new MI and thereby cardiac death 8 . A study by Stewart et al 9 revealed that inadequate and differing information about sexual intercourse from healthcare professionals generated anxiety and fear in MI patients. Women who had had an MI reported a lack of information and counselling about sexual issues from healthcare professionals [10][11][12] , although Steinke and Patterson-Midgley 13 did not find any differences between men and women in relation to the provision of sexual counselling.…”

The Male Partners' Experiences of the Intimate Relationships after a First Myocardial Infarction

“…Research indicates that patients and spouses share similar experience of stressors [3]. When partners suffer more anxiety than the patient, it worsens the patient's psychosocial adjustment and outcome [4].…”