The experience of posttraumatic stress disorder in patients after acute myocardial infraction: A qualitative research.

Abstract

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most frequent causes of death worldwide, which may result in post-traumatic stress (acute or chronic), as well as in psychological distress, both of which change to a decisive extent the life and daily routine of the patient. Purpose: To investigate the experience of post-traumatic stress disorder in patients who suffered an AMI and its effect on their quality of life. Methodology: This qualitative research was conducted using the hermeneutic/phenomenological approach. Using with the method of semi-structured interviews, 20 (15 men, 5 women) patients described their experiences. The data were analyzed using the empirically grounded theory. Results: Patients who suffered an AMI exhibited a series of acute post-traumatic stress symptoms during the first hours after the onset of the disease, which sometimes may be evident for up to two years. The daily presence of psychological distress and the evident manifestation of the concept of spiritual maturation significantly altered their daily habits. Conclusions: Patients with AMI experience post-traumatic stress which starts in the first hours after the event and may last for up to two years, which significantly affect their quality of life.

Keywords

• Acute myocardial infarction
• post-traumatic stress
• psychological distress
• spiritual maturation