[A survey of the medical and psychosocial status of 140 workers 32 months following myocardial infarct]

Abstract

We suspected there could be different social, psychological, and medical problems for women after a first myocardial infarction than those affecting men. 140 women (56.4 +/- 7 years) were interviewed by questionnaire 32 +/- 8.7 months after myocardial infarction; 83% (n = 119) responded (8.8% of the sample group had died), 12% suffered a reinfarction, and 11% underwent aortocoronary bypass surgery. For 84% of those responding it was harder to do their housework after myocardial infarction, but 73% did it without help. 51.5% showed a mood change that included increasing depression, anxiousness, and insecurity. In 12.5% of the women their relationship with their husband was adversely affected; in 6.6% their relationship with their children worsened. 83% (n = 89) saw their infarction as a result of stress. 45% could not relieve their stress after 32 months. A subjective feeling of stress decrease in 54% was achieved with a quieter life, in 39.5% by resigning their jobs, and in 6.5% by the death of the husband. Concerning somatic risk factors 74% of the smokers stopped smoking; oral contraceptives were discontinued in all cases. 90.5% (n = 97) of the women said they had their serum lipid values checked regularly, but these were only under control in 35%. We conclude the rehabilitation process does not end when patients leave a rehabilitation clinic. Patients should acquire household help, and their family situation should be discussed during their stay in the rehabilitation clinic. Concerning the somatic risk factors, women who survive myocardial infarction require better care and information.