Atypical nature of coronary artery disease in women: a proposal for measurement and classification

• Main Author: Viviana Marycel Céspedes Cuevas (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 0121-4500; 10.15446/av.enferm.v33n1.47855
• Keywords: Escalas; Enfermedad Coronaria; Salud de la Mujer; Nursing; RT1-120
• Source: Avances en Enfermería, Vol 33, Iss 1, Pp 10-18 (2015)

Objective: To identify subgroups of women with Acute Coronary Syndrome according to symptom experience: perception, evaluation and response, based on the Symptom Management Conceptual Model. Methodology: Quantitative, descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study. The sample was made of 380 women positively diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome, hospitalized in two institutions in Bogotá, Colombia. A measurement instrument was designed and validated. Results: Final instrument was made of 37 items that reported content validity, scale validity, discriminant validity, and construct validity. A Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0,76 was obtained, which guarantees homogeneity in the measurement according to the Maximum Validity-Maximum Reliability Model. A total of 11 subgroups of women with Acute Coronary Syndrome were identified, those were characterized by atypical coronary heart disease symptomatology, evaluation processes related to extra-cardiac causes and inadequate symptom management strategies. It was possible to demonstrate that psychosocial factors, previous coronary heart disease and delays were variables making a significant influence on the components of symptom experience. Conclusions: Women with Acute Coronary Syndrome, belonging to the 11 subgroups that were identified and studied, showed atypical symptoms. The instrument designed features a proven psychometric quality; it was valid, reliable, and useful for clinical research and practice.