Related Experiment Videos
Living with moderate-severe chronic heart failure as a middle-aged person
Lena Nordgren1, Margareta Asp, Ingegerd Fagerberg
1School of Health Sciences, Växjö University, Växjö, Sweden.
Abstract:
In this article the authors describe a study focusing on middle-aged persons living with chronic heart failure (CHF), a group with which few studies have been conducted. They used the lifeworld perspective to focus on persons' lived experiences of the phenomenon, that is, living with moderate-severe CHF as a middle-aged person. They interviewed 7 middle-aged persons (4 men, 3 women; aged 38 to 65 years) and analyzed the data obtained using a phenomenological approach. The phenomenon's essence is described as a life situation characterized by a failing body, a life constantly under threat, a rapidly changing health condition, and an altered self-image, which implies that the persons live in a changed life situation. The essence was further illuminated by three meaning constituents: an ambiguity of the body, losing track of life, and balancing life. Knowledge from this study will help caregivers understand and support patients with this debilitating condition.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Cardiomyopathy VI: Nursing Management
Heart Failure V: Medical Management