Self-Management Interventions for Women With Cardiac Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Women's Health

Background:

• Cardiac pain is a key indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Existing reviews often lack sufficient data on women or sex-based subgroup analyses, leaving the benefits of self-management for women uncertain.
• Self-management involves women actively participating in their cardiac care and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically examine and synthesize evidence on self-management interventions for women experiencing cardiac pain and its equivalents.
• To assess the effectiveness of these interventions in improving health outcomes for women with CAD.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of 7 databases was conducted using established evidence synthesis guidelines.
• 57 randomized controlled trials, including data from 13,047 participants (41% women), were included in a narrative synthesis.
• Interventions targeting cardiac pain and equivalents like fatigue and dyspnea were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Self-management interventions significantly reduced cardiac pain frequency and proportion, fatigue (at 12 months), and dyspnea (at 2 months) in women.
• No significant differences were observed in postprocedural pain.
• Interventions were more effective when including a higher proportion of women, incorporating goal setting, and involving collaboration with healthcare providers.

Conclusions:

• Self-management interventions demonstrate efficacy in reducing cardiac pain and associated symptoms in women.
• The findings underscore the importance of tailored self-management strategies that emphasize female participation, goal setting, and healthcare support for women with CAD.