Family dynamics and relationships while living with heart disease

Abstract

Abstract Background When an adult within a family is diagnosed with heart disease, it influences the whole family. Family members might be concerned about the well-being and prognosis of the affected adult, while the affected adult may fear becoming a burden to the family. When having heart disease lifestyle adjustments are necessary and these changes can cause disruption within the family. To understand the holistic impact of living with heart disease, it is important to integrate the perspectives of all family members and analyze the dynamics of their relationships. Addressing this knowledge gap, can enable more precise and effective support measures for families navigating this challenging situation. Purpose To describe how family life and relationships are affected when an adult is affected by heart disease. Methods This was a qualitative semi-structured individual interview study, conducted in Scandinavia in 2019 to 2022. In all, 28 families from three university hospitals were included. Inclusion criteria were families with an adult who was diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, heart valve disease or cardiac arrest who had an adolescent living at home. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis with an inductive and latent approach. Results Three themes emerged. 1) "Transitioning family dynamics" explored the consequences of altered family structures due to heart disease, impacting communication patterns and responsibilities. Some families adopted collective strategies, fostering unity and a supportive environment. In contrast, other families exhibited varied coping strategies, leading to diverse communication patterns and opinions. Family diversity presented both advantages, fostering understanding, and challenges, potentially causing misunderstandings and conflicts. 2) "Family bonding" highlighted how pre-existing family relationships influenced the experience of dealing with a family member's heart disease. Strong pre-existing bonds facilitated a smoother recovery process compared to families with unresolved issues, serving as a valuable support system during challenging times. 3) "Becoming different as a family" underscored the disappointment arising from a family member's heart disease affecting the family. The disease's physical invisibility added complexity, challenging the maintenance of normalcy and creating a distinct detached feeling. This distinctiveness extended beyond observable routine changes, influencing emotional dynamics. The constant need for adjustments formed a unique family identity, evolving relationships beyond typical familial connections. Conclusion Families affected by heart disease handle this in various ways. Open communication and establishing a robust network of support emerged as crucial elements in helping families overcoming the multifaceted challenges associated with living with heart disease.