Perception of symptom and symptom management of people with acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

The objective of this qualitative research study was to examine the perceptions of symptoms and symptom management of individuals with acute myocardial infarction. Data were collected by using in-depth interviews from thirteen key informants. Data were analyzed by content analysis. The study revealed three following important issues. First, the meanings of myocardial infarction were perceived: (1) severe, sudden attack and deadly disease and (2) disease commonly found in the elderly and urban dwellers. Second, the symptoms of the disease were perceived based on the severity of the disease, and the causes of symptom. Third, the patients managed the symptoms: if perceiving the severity of the disease, the patients managed to go to hospital and if perceiving not severe symptom, they managed it by relieving the symptoms, waiting patiently so long that the symptom became worse. The health services should encourage these groups to raise awareness of disease and early transfer to hospital