What do spontaneous coronary artery dissection survivors want to support their recovery? a qualitative study

Kirsten Binnie; Lis Neubeck; Sheona McHale; Coral L Hanson

doi:10.1093/eurjcn/zvad013

What do spontaneous coronary artery dissection survivors want to support their recovery? a qualitative study

Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2023 Dec 14;22(8):814-823. doi: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvad013.

Authors

Kirsten Binnie^{1

2}, Lis Neubeck^{1

2

3}, Sheona McHale^{1

2}, Coral L Hanson^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Centre for Cardiovascular Health, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court, Sighthill, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK.
² School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Sighthill Court, Sighthill, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK.
³ Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, Western Ave, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.

PMID: 36656922
DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvad013

Abstract

Aims: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is increasingly recognized as an important cause of myocardial infarction predominantly affecting women aged younger than 50 years. There is limited research addressing female and male SCAD survivors' experience of, or requirements for, support post-SCAD. This study explored what SCAD survivors wanted to support recovery.

Methods and results: A qualitative study using semi-structured video and telephone interviews. Data were analysed through thematic analysis using the framework approach. We interviewed 20 participants (19 females) with a mean age of 54.6 (+/-SD 8.5 years). Three overarching themes encapsulated participants' views about support requirements. (i) Education and information. Participants thought healthcare professionals involved in diagnosis and supporting recovery required greater awareness of SCAD and the psychological effect of SCAD. They wanted accessible SCAD information immediately post-event and during the educational component of cardiac rehabilitation. (ii) Physical activity. Requirements were for advice tailored to individuals' specific needs, physical capabilities, and physical activity preferences. Participants suggested that utilizing wearable technology was helpful to encourage a safe return to activity. (iii) Psychosocial support. Participants wanted formal psychosocial support immediately post-event, during cardiac rehabilitation and in the longer term.

Conclusion: Better healthcare professional training may improve diagnosis, and increase support and awareness of SCAD. SCAD support programmes should provide early SCAD specific education utilizing online sources, individually tailor physical activity prescription, offer wearable technology to support a return to being active, and provide short- and long-term psychosocial support. As SCAD is predominately a female condition, programmes should consider female physical activity preferences.

Keywords: Cardiac rehabilitation; Coronary vessel anomalies; Exercise; Health education; Psychosocial intervention; Spontaneous coronary artery dissection.

MeSH terms

Coronary Angiography / adverse effects
Coronary Vessel Anomalies
Coronary Vessels
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Myocardial Infarction* / complications
Risk Factors
Survivors
Vascular Diseases* / congenital
Vascular Diseases* / diagnosis
Vascular Diseases* / etiology
Vascular Diseases* / therapy

Supplementary concepts

Coronary Artery Dissection, Spontaneous