THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN ABOUT SEXUAL HEALTH AFTER ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Introduction: The quality of life of subjects who survived to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is evaluated through the perception of their sexual life too. Contrary to recommendation write in international guidelines, this aspect is often overlooked, in fact patients who had suffered a AMI and their healthcare professionals do not appear to give proper attention to this aspect. After a heart attack resume to a normal sexual activity reduces anxiety, stress, depression and can improve quality of life. The doubts and fears that arise in patients after a myocardial infarction prevent proper recovery of sexual activity; often, these fears are unfounded and quickly disappear, but their presence puts the patient and partner’s relationship and also their quality of life at risk. Aim: The aim of the study was to understand the experience of the sexual health of Italian women one year after acute myocardial infarction. Methods: Phenomenology by Cohen. Results: ‘‘Fear of recurrence of infarction’’, ‘‘stress’’ and ‘‘the need to receive spontaneous information’’ are the main themes emerged from our analysis of interviews. Conclusions: Sexuality for myocardial infarction’s survivors is an important aspect of one’s health and quality of life. Understanding the lived experience about it in the health of women must stimulate careful consideration in all health workers and encourage rehabilitation programs that do not neglect this aspect