WOMENS NARRATIVES - EVOLVING SYMPTOMS OF MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION

Diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in women is difficult sin ce chest pain may not be a hallmark symptom. Research is needed to ide ntify symptoms experienced by women with AMI to facilitate timely diag nosis. The purpose of this study was to identify new symptoms and thei r evolution experienced by women prior to diagnosis of AMI. Non-probab ility sampling was used to select 20 diverse women. Intensive home int erviews were conducted and transcribed. Content analysis and constant comparison were used to develop nine data clusters: Location of Pain; Intensity of Pain/Sensations; Cardiovascular/Temperature Changes; Resp iratory Sensations; Gastrointestinal Symptoms; Emotions; Hand and Arm Sensations; Neurological/Vision Changes; and Fatigue. Some women progr essed to AMI in minutes while others had symptoms for weeks. Findings should increase awareness of women's symptoms of AMI. Further research is needed with a larger sample.