Recovery From Myocardial Infarction and Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Women: Psychosocial Factors

Abstract

This study reviews 16 publications on psychosocial factors and cardiac rehabilitation that report separately on women. In general, following postmyocardial infarction and postcardiac surgery women appear to suffer more psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, than men. In addition, women report having more fears about resumption of sexual activity. Women return to paid employment less often than men after cardiac events, although return to work is not necessarily a reflection of disease severity and is probably not a suitable measure of recovery in women. Physical symptoms, primarily cardiac, are reported more often by female patients, and may limit activity. Women report longer recovery and more days lost because of cardiac symptoms than men. Domestic responsibilities are a source of concern for recovering women, and women may return to high-demand activities in the home sooner than is advisable. Finally, women are referred less often to phase II cardiac rehabilitation programs, enroll less frequently, and have poorer attendance than men. Cardiac rehabilitation programs that are tailored to the needs of women are recommended.