The Emotional Implications of a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis in a Retired Athlete: An Autoethnographic Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to advance knowledge and understanding of the emotional implications retired athletes experience when diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This study employed an autoethnographic method to explore the consequences of living with this potentially life-threatening heart condition from a first-person narrative, using the account-making model of coping and loss as framework. The results illuminate the lived experience of someone diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and subsequent forced transition out of high-performance sport. This study provides practitioners with insights into this topic so that relevant and tailored interventions can be implemented to help retiring athletes who are diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy cope with the career transition process. Notably, this paper also offers a full, complete autoethnography rather than extracts of autoethnographic writing typically provided in journal articles due to formatting restrictions. Thus, we showcase the valuable contribution this methodology has to offer scholars and practitioners.

Keywords

• autoethnography
• career transition
• existential
• sport
• retirement