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What's wrong with me? Women's coronary heart disease diagnostic experiences

Jean C McSweeney1, Leanne L Lefler, Beth F Crowder

  • 1University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Nursing, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. mcsweeneyjeanc@uams.edu

Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing
|May 12, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Many women miss atypical coronary heart disease (CHD) symptoms, delaying diagnosis. This study highlights the frustration and anger women experience due to delayed CHD diagnosis, emphasizing the need for better symptom recognition and timely care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Women's Health
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Atypical presentation of coronary heart disease (CHD) in women often leads to diagnostic delays.
  • Delayed diagnosis of CHD and myocardial infarction in women can negatively impact outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore women's experiences with the diagnosis of coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • To identify key areas for intervention to improve the diagnostic process for women with CHD.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of in-depth interviews with 40 women about their CHD diagnostic experiences.
  • Content analysis and constant comparison were used to identify emergent themes.

Main Results:

  • Five themes emerged: awareness, seeking treatment, frustration, treatment decisions, and anger.
  • Most women were not diagnosed with CHD before myocardial infarction, with delayed diagnosis for those presenting atypically.
  • Women who repeatedly sought treatment expressed anger over delayed diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Early recognition of CHD symptoms and timely diagnosis are crucial for improving women's cardiovascular outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to address diagnostic delays and improve women's experiences with CHD.
  • Interventions targeting symptom recognition and diagnostic processes are vital for women's CHD care.

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