Stress and coping mechanisms in patients undergoing CABG: An integrative review

Abstract

Background: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) is a surgery to treat Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), the number one killer in the world. This surgery can cause significant stress for the patient. Aim: to identify literature on stress, coping mechanisms, and stress management strategies that help patients cope with stress while undergoing the CABG procedure. Method: An integrative review was conducted based on the Whittemore & Knafl approach. Result: Patients about to undergo CABG surgery mostly experience high levels of stress. The primary source of stress identified was anxiety about facing the surgery. The source of coping that significantly influenced the patient's adaptation mechanism was support from their partner. The stress management strategy needed by patients to deal with preoperative stress was preoperative education. Conclusion: Stress in patients undergoing CABG surgery can be controlled with adaptive coping mechanisms and effective stress management strategies.

Keywords

• Coronary heart disease
• Stress
• Coping mechanism
• Coronary artery bypass graft
• Integrative review