Women recovering from coronary artery bypass surgery

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women over 50, and women are undergoing surgical revascularization procedures in ever increasing numbers. There are, however, little research-based data upon which to guide the nursing care of these patients. This study explored the nature of the recovery process for women following coronary bypass surgery in order to extend our understanding of the posthospitalization phase of the recovery trajectory. Ten patients participated in semi-structured interviews that were analyzed using thematic analysis. Data reveal significant problems with caregiver recognition and access to care. Barriers to care may also exist due to women's traditional subordinate role in American society and their use of gender specific interactive skills. Recovery for women was found to differ significantly from that: of men due to the later developmental stage when women are more likely to experience cardiac illness.