Gender differences in fatigue associated with acute myocardial infarction

Area of Science:

• Cardiology and Cardiovascular Health
• Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
• Medical Symptomology

Background:

• Fatigue is a common yet understudied symptom following acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
• Limited research exists on gender-specific fatigue patterns in AMI patients.
• Understanding these patterns is crucial for targeted patient care and recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize and compare fatigue levels in men and women diagnosed with AMI.
• To investigate the relationship between fatigue, gender, and depressed mood post-AMI.
• To examine changes in fatigue from hospital admission to 30 days after discharge.

Main Methods:

• A convenience sample of 88 men and 28 women with AMI was recruited from Midwestern facilities.
• Fatigue was measured using the Profile of Mood States Fatigue (POMS-F) subscale.
• Data were collected at hospital admission and 30 days post-discharge, with 47 participants completing follow-up.

Main Results:

• Women reported significantly higher baseline fatigue (POMS-F: 15.80) than men (11.19).
• Women's fatigue decreased by 30 days post-discharge, while men's fatigue levels remained consistent.
• Fatigue was significantly associated with both gender and depressed mood at baseline and 30 days post-discharge.

Conclusions:

• Gender and depressed mood are key factors associated with fatigue in AMI patients.
• Women experience pronounced fatigue during AMI, which lessens post-discharge.
• Men exhibit persistent moderate to high fatigue levels, necessitating further investigation into pre- and post-AMI fatigue trajectories.