Start | Browse by Day | Author Index | Keyword Index

Gender-Specific Health Outcomes for Women with Heart Disease

Tuesday, November 3, 2009: 10:15 AM

Beverly Mendes
Cardiology, Hartford Hospital, W. Hartford, CT
Gayle Roux, PhD, RN, NP-C
Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Lewisville, TX

Presentation File (PDF Format)

Learning Objective 1: Discuss heart disease and its global impact on women.

Learning Objective 2: Discuss gender-sensitive nursing practices for women with heart disease.

Purpose: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the US and a major global health concern. The lack of research evidence centering on gender-specific outcomes in women is disturbing because findings indicate significant gender differences in the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cardiovascular disease.  Women with coronary artery disease require further study, as they have a higher risk than men for both adverse physical and psychological outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore the basic psychosocial process of women recovering from coronary stent placement following an acute cardiac event. The touchstone for the study was based on symbolic interactionism and feminist theory.                                                                                               

Method: Grounded theory methodology was used to answer the research question, “How do women experience inner strength during their recovery from coronary stent placement following an acute coronary event?” Data analysis was based on the constant comparative method.                                                                                                       

Results: Twelve women aged 41-81years old and with a confirmed diagnosis of a myocardial infarction participated in the study. The conflict termed as “changing patterns of fear” was the basic psychosocial problem faced by the women as they recovered from post-infarction stent placement. The basic psychosocial process that the women utilized to resolve the problem of fear was identified as “living a new normal.” Five distinct stages emerged to resolve the conflict: (1) uncertainty in seeking help, (2) rapid changing, (3) evolving patterns, (4) reminiscing the past, and (5) spiritual solace.                           

Conclusion: The study findings can assist nurses worldwide to enhance well-being and support for women living with heart disease. The current study contributes to the growing body of global research on women, furthering evidence to improve outcomes for women utilizing gender-sensitive nursing practice.

See more of: Global Women's Issues
See more of: Oral Paper & Poster: Science Sessions