'I am still a bit unsure how much of a heart attack it really was!' Patients presenting with non ST elevation myocardial infarction lack understanding about their illness and have less motivation for secondary prevention

Conclusion: Patients with NSTEMI in this study expressed very different perceptions of their illness compared to those experiencing STEMI. Patients’ clinical presentation and treatment experience during an AMI can impact on their illness perception, motivation for behavioural change and uptake of cardiac rehabilitation. Nurses should consider the patients’ illness experience and perception when planning secondary prevention interventions.
Source: European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research