Women with cardiac disease experienced a range of atypical prodromal symptoms prior to hospitalization, such as edema, shortness of breath, and exhaustion, which delayed recognition of cardiac problems.
Observational (n=21)
Women with cardiac disease frequently experience atypical prodromal symptoms, highlighting the need for thorough assessment and vigilance by healthcare providers to prevent delayed recognition.
The purpose of this descriptive study was to explore the experiences of women with cardiac disease in regard to cardiac risk factors, symptoms, and symptom interpretation. Interviews with a convenience sample of 21 African American and Caucasian female patients, aged 40-81 years with cardiac diagnoses, were taped and transcribed. Three advanced practice nurses with experience in cardiovascular nursing were interviewed individually for background. Analyses of symptoms indicated that women experienced a range of prodromal symptoms other than chest pain prior to hospitalization such as: edema, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dry cough, and exhaustion. Atypical symptoms delayed recognition of a cardiac problem for some women. The lack of symptom consistency underscores the need for thorough assessment and screening of women at risk for cardiac problems. Advanced practice nurses are aware of current cardiac disease research in women but they must continue to be vigilant for atypical symptoms.
Christine L. Miller (Tue,) conducted a observational in Cardiac disease (n=21). Cardiac disease symptoms and interpretation was evaluated on Experiences of cardiac risk factors, symptoms, and symptom interpretation. Women with cardiac disease experienced a range of atypical prodromal symptoms prior to hospitalization, such as edema, shortness of breath, and exhaustion, which delayed recognition of cardiac problems.
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