The Experiences of Women with Chronic Heart Failure

Investigating the experiences of women with chronic heart failure is imperative to their health and quality of life. The current model that dominates health care has been biased in its approach to the diagnosis and treatment, provision of speciality care, and research of women with heart disease. Until health care professionals recognize this bias and change practices, and until there are new scientific discoveries in research that includes female participants, women with heart failure are destined to live with current practices and therapies. In light of these issues, a grounded theory study explored women's experiences with chronic heart failure. The importance of a social network, positive provider-client communication and multidisciplinary heart failure management was found to be key to satisfaction and positive outcomes for women. Further research is recommended after implementing new unique approaches for health care management of women with chronic heart failure.