Role patterns and emotional responses of women with ischemic heart disease 4 to 6 weeks after discharge from hospital.

Women comprise only a small percentage of subjects in studies of psychosocial responses to heart disease. Some research suggests women have higher rates of anxiety and depression post myocardial infarction than men. This descriptive-correlational study examined role enactment and emotional responses of nineteen women with ischemic heart disease four to six weeks after discharge from hospital. More specifically, the study examined the relationship among Physical Symptoms, Quality of Role Enactment, and Emotional Response. Study findings suggest subjects were generally satisfied with their role enactment. There were no relationships among the three study variables-Physical Symptoms, Quality of Role Enactment, and Emotional Response. However, women who experienced a myocardial infarction and those with other forms of ischemic heart disease differed in terms of physical symptoms and role enactment after discharge. Subjects did not report high levels of depression; yet, there was some indication of emotional distress. Interestingly, the first two weeks after discharge were described as the most difficult time. The results from this study point to areas of further research.