Knowledge and feelings of climacteric women on coronary disease

Abstract

Objective: this is a qualitative study aimed at describing the impact of the discovery of the
coronary disease in the daily life of climacteric women. Method: Bardin content analysis
was used for data interpretation. Results and discussion: four categories were identified:
“knowledge of the coronary disease”; “Change in food”; “Changes in work”; “Insecurity
and fear of death”. The women showed a lack of knowledge in defining the coronary
disease. They understand that it is a serious and risky disease, but they find it difficult
to define or explain it. They recognize the importance of the recommended treatment,
following the therapeutic recommendations as to the change of habits of life, the use
of the drug therapy and the invasive treatments, as the surgery of revascularization of
the myocardium and the angioplasty. Conclusion: the main changes in the daily life
of women are related to food and work and domestic activities. The loss of autonomy
imposed by the disease causes dependence and uselessness. Insecurity and fear are also
present associated with symbolic meanings of unexpected and death. The daily changes
after the discovery of the coronary disease cause physical, emotional and social impact
to these women, quite harmful to their health in the recurrence of coronary events or to
a more serious and incapacitating condition of the coronary disease.