Changes in family patterns six months after a myocardial infarction

Abstract

Descriptive data were gathered from 15 families on which changes in the family were reported as a result of a myocardial infarction in one family member. Persons surviving their first myocardial infarction and their families were interviewed individually and simultaneously by one of five trained interviewers in each subject's home 6 months after myocardial infarction. Data were analyzed by reduction, display, and comparison of responses. Categories of changes that emerged from the data were those in family and social activities, emotions and personal life-style habits.

Part 2: Family Health During and After Death of a Family Member

“…Hilgenberg, Liddy, Standerfer, and Schraeder (1992) reported that following a spouse's myocardial infarction, positive changes in family closeness and communication may be underreported. Effects on children by the lifestyle changes needed following acute illness of parents need to be included in assessments and interventions (Hilgenberg et al, 1992;Tapp, 1995).…”

“…Hilgenberg, Liddy, Standerfer, and Schraeder (1992) reported that following a spouse's myocardial infarction, positive changes in family closeness and communication may be underreported. Effects on children by the lifestyle changes needed following acute illness of parents need to be included in assessments and interventions (Hilgenberg et al, 1992;Tapp, 1995). Gilliss (1984) found that spouses experienced more stress than patients, Artinian (1989) identified that spouses are more stressed than adult children, Allen, Becker, and Swank (1991) discovered that spouses had greater difficulties with psychological adjustment 1 month following the procedure, and Gilliss, Neuhaus, and Hauck (1990) noted that interventions post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery showed the greatest effects 8 weeks after but returned to usual patterns at 6 months.…”

“…Patients and spouses found information most helpful during the acute cardiac illness events (McRae, 1991;Moser, Dracup, & Marsden, 1993;Orzeck & Staniloff, 1987). Stress related to cardiac conditions often resulted from altered family household roles and caregiving responsibilities (Artinian, 1989;Gilliss, 1984;Hilgenberg et al, 1992;McRae, 1991). Responses to stress and needs for support during acute illness episodes may differ for member and by time.…”

The experiences of female spouses of survivors of acute myocardial infarction: a pilot study of Lebanese‐born women in south‐western Sydney, Australia

“…Literature shows that the initial recovery period following AMI is stressful and unpredictable for the survivor and significant others ( Stern & Pascale 1979, Hilgenberg & Crowley 1987, Coyne & Smith 1991, Marsden & Dracup 1991, Beach et al . 1992 , Hilgenberg et al . 1992 , Hilbert 1993, Moser et al .…”

Accompanying critically ill relatives in emergency departments

“…The physical, psychological and social impact of critical illness on family members of the patient has been recognized in the nursing literature (Beach et al. 1992, Hilgenberg et al. 1992, Thompson et al.…”