Korean J Adult Nurs.  2023 May;35(2):169-183. 10.7475/kjan.2023.35.2.169.

Pain and Associated Symptoms in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stable Coronary Artery Diseases: A Comparative Study

• Kwon IY
• Lee Y

• KMID: 2543039
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7475/kjan.2023.35.2.169

Abstract

Purpose
This study identified and compared the pain and associated symptoms of stable coronary artery diseases and acute coronary syndrome.
Methods
The study participants comprised 180 patients with stable coronary artery diseases and acute coronary syndrome. The data were collected from August 25, 2020, to October 30, 2020.
Results
We found that 77.2% of participants had pain and associated symptoms, and 85.6% had one or more associated symptoms. In the associated symptoms, patients with acute coronary syndrome expressed squeezing, and patients with stable coronary artery diseases expressed expanding. Patients with stable coronary artery diseases reported increased pain during exercise. Moreover, although there was no statistically significant difference, drinking, eating, and cold weather often exacerbated pain in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The average pain intensity of patients with stable coronary artery diseases was moderate (4.09±2.79). The average pain intensity of acute coronary syndrome patients was severe (5.68±3.34). Patients with acute coronary syndrome mainly reported cold sweat and loss of consciousness. Palpitations and dizziness were prevalent complaints in patients with stable coronary artery diseases.
Conclusion
Based on this study's results, a nursing assessment can be performed when managing patients with coronary artery disease. In addition, a nursing assessment protocol could be developed based on the analysis results regarding pain and associated symptoms in patients with stable coronary artery diseases and acute coronary syndrome.

Keyword

Acute pain; Coronary artery disease; Acute coronary syndrome; Comparative study