Abstract

AIMS: There is evidence that stable angina patients may suffer from emotional disorders that further impair their quality of life. However, the emotional experience of living with stable angina from the patient's perspective still has to be explored. Thus, the main aim of this study was to explore patients' emotional experience of having stable angina and their reported needs during the pathway from the first symptoms, through the process of diagnosis, to management and related lifestyle changes. METHODS: A survey was conducted in 75 chronic ischemic heart disease patients with angina (Brazil, China, Romania, Russia, and Turkey) using a 75-min, face-to-face in-depth interview. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Patients' responses highlighted the need to increase individuals' awareness on the first signs and symptoms of the disease. The survey also showed that chronic stable angina patients need constant emotional support to overcome stress, anxiety, and depression. Finally, this study suggests the need to offer greater space for dialogue with healthcare professionals to get more comprehensive and 'patient-friendly' information.