The impact of an acute cardiac event on the partners of patients: a systematic review

Abstract

Partner support facilitates successful recovery and adjustment following an acute cardiac event (myocardial infarction or coronary revascularisation), but there is limited research examining the partner experience after an acute cardiac event. A computerised literature search was conducted to identify quantitative research investigating the psychosocial impact of an acute cardiac event on the patient's partner. The research base is limited, somewhat methodologically weak and outdated in relation to advances in cardiac care, and little attention has been paid to the experience of non-Caucasian couples, same sex couples or male partners. However, we found that partners are at significant risk of experiencing distress, anxiety and depression that may extend beyond the immediate recovery phase, and may contribute to adverse patient outcomes. Partners contend with significant disruption to their daily functioning and may engage in substantial caregiving responsibilities. Partners describe a lack of social support and information which may contribute to the high levels of distress. Marital and sexual functioning can also be adversely affected. Partner coping strategies and illness perceptions may contribute to adjustment. The findings of this review reveal that partner experience may play an important role in both partner and patient adjustment to an acute cardiac event and there is considerable scope for updating and extending current knowledge of partner experience.

Keywords:

• myocardial infarction
• coronary artery bypass graft
• partner
• spouse
• coping
• stress

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the British Heart Foundation (RG/05/006; FS/07/025).

Notes

1. Intervention studies were not included because the aim was to present the findings regarding the impact of acute cardiac events rather than explore the comparative efficacy of different interventions.