Recovery experiences and perceptions of quality of life after percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: An interpretive descriptive qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality globally, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is the standard treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction, a life-threatening acute coronary syndrome requiring urgent revascularization. Despite increasing access to this intervention in sub-Saharan Africa, evidence on patients' lived experiences of recovery remains limited. This study explored patients' experiences of recovery and quality of life following primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Tanzania. METHODS: An interpretive descriptive qualitative design was employed. Fourteen patients who had undergone primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction were purposively sampled at a national referral cardiac centre and interviewed within three months after PCI. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Participants perceived quality of life after PCI as an evolving experience closely linked to their recovery, with improvements in one aspect often accompanied by ongoing challenges in others. Six interrelated themes emerged: physical symptoms, functional capacity and daily activities, emotional responses, coping and illness perceptions, social support and relationships, and health system interactions and communication. Although participants generally reported symptom improvement and gradual functional recovery, persistent fatigue, activity limitations, emotional uncertainty, and unmet informational needs continued to influence their quality of life. Family support and adaptive coping helped participants adjust to life after PCI, while healthcare communication shaped their confidence in managing recovery. CONCLUSION: Recovery after primary percutaneous coronary intervention extends beyond survival to include physical, emotional, and social dimensions. Holistic, patient-centred post-intervention care is needed to support long-term recovery in resource-limited settings.