Living with experiences following a myocardial infarction

Coronary heart disease is a major cause of sudden death and morbidity in the developed world, as well as a cause of great suffering. Research within this area has primarily focused symptoms, risk factors and treatment. The aim of this paper was to explore women's experiences following a myocardial infarction (MI). Eight women were interviewed; the interviews were audiotaped and transcribed into text and analysed using a phenomenological approach. To explore the meaning that is experienced in the lived world of the patient a method of reflective lifeworld research, based upon phenomenological epistemology has been used. The results indicate that the body is vital for the women in their lifeworlds. After a MI the patient's natural and unreflective relationship with the body and the lived world is interrupted. Uncertainty about life and death as well as the body is experienced as a suffering in the women's lifeworlds. In relation to this, the women's existence is characterised by an uncertainty and a loss of context. It is through reconciliation with their bodies and their illnesses that the women can achieve a sense of well-being and harmony in life. In that process the women can re-establish a natural relationship with their bodies and lifeworlds.