Symptom Experience of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients

Annette McDonough, Lea Ann Matura and Diane L. Carroll
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Annette McDonough: University of Massachusetts, Lowell, ajm0928@yahoo.com
Lea Ann Matura: Northeastern University, Boston, MA
Diane L. Carroll: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston

Clinical Nursing Research, 2011, vol. 20, issue 2, 120-134

Abstract: Purpose: To describe symptoms experienced by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients and the impact these symptoms have had on their lives. Method: Qualitative descriptive methodology was chosen incorporating semistructured interviews to investigate the symptom experience of ten patients with PAH. Results: All patients were diagnosed with WHO Group 1 PAH and 70% were WHO functional Class III. Two overarching themes emerged: holding back and redefining life. Holding back was represented by three sub-themes: fear, anticipation of worsening symptoms, and treatment effects. Redefining life was characterized by uncertainty, activity restrictions, and making the best of it. Conclusion: This study revealed specific concerns related to the symptom experience of PAH patients and how they redefined their lives to accommodate these symptoms. These findings provide a basis for larger, quantitative studies to examine the extent of symptom impact as well as a framework for development of self management interventions to improve the symptom experience and QOL.

Keywords: cardiovascular diseases; clinical research areas; specialty clinic; health care settings; physical function; syndromes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:clnure:v:20:y:2011:i:2:p:120-134

DOI: 10.1177/1054773810391249

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