Recovery of midlife women from myocardial infarction.

We conducted this qualitative study to elicit the experiences of midlife women who survived myocardial infarctions (MIs) and returned home to recover. We selected a phenomenological research method based on the philosophy of Merleau-Ponty. The researcher interviewed eight women ranging in age from 45 to 65. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the approach of Thomas and Pollio. For the women in this study, figural themes of the experience of the MI and recovery must be understood within the existential grounds of the body and others. Themes included the following: (a) interference, (b) freedom/unfreedom, (c) knowing/not knowing, and (d) living in fear. Based on the findings of this study, we suggest that women need to be better educated before leaving the hospital. Returning home post MI was a difficult time, and the women in this study felt a support group for female MI survivors was needed.