The Patient Experience After Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Psychology
• Patient Experience Research

Background:

• Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) significantly impacts patients' mental health, with high rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Limited research exists on the patient perspective of SCAD, hindering the development of effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize the current literature on the patient experience of SCAD.
• To understand the impact of SCAD on patients' well-being, quality of life, lifestyle, and identity.
• To identify patient-centered needs and useful resources for SCAD recovery.

Main Methods:

• An integrative literature review was performed.
• Searched five databases using terms related to SCAD and patient experience.
• Included English-language, peer-reviewed primary research reflecting the patient perspective.

Main Results:

• Five studies with 447 participants were included.
• Patients reported a lack of information and challenges in recovery, including anxiety and fear of recurrence.
• Patients expressed a need for enhanced support and reported mixed experiences with support groups.

Conclusions:

• SCAD patients face significant psychological distress and information gaps.
• There is a critical need for improved patient education and tailored support systems.
• Future research should focus on patient-reported outcomes and effective interventions for SCAD recovery.